The History of Water Fluoridation

Hmmm...thirsty

Water fluoridation is the process by which fluoride ions are added to the water supply, the stated purpose being to prevent tooth decay. Also, the addition of fluoride does not affect the color, smell, or taste of water. Such a seemingly simple process and ostensibly good idea has generate a bit of controversy and opposition, so of course, EverythingIsHistory.com investigated.  Here’s what I found out:

A Brief Timeline
In the early part of the 20th century, researchers in the Rocky Mountains were attempting to determine the origins of what was then known as Colorado Brown Stain, a condition which resulted in mottled teeth.  Upon further observation, they noticed that while subjects’ teeth were severely stained, they were free from cavities.  The researchers then linked this phenomenon to the high content of naturally occurring fluoride in the water in that region. Several studies during the 1930s and 1940s suggested that controlled fluoridation of the water supply may decrease the occurrence of cavities.

Mottled Teeth

On January 29th, 1945, in a controlled experiment, the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan began fluoridating its water supply.  The results convinced public health officials of the benefits of fluoridation, even though by today’s standards, the study was crude (i.e. there was no control group, nor were people prevented from changing their dental habits).  One by one thereafter, cities in developed countries began fluoridating their water supplies.

Health Effects
So what are the health effects of consuming fluoridated water?  The most obvious benefit of fluroide in the water supply is to reduce dental cavities.  However, studies have shown that the benefits of fluoride are minimal, at best.  In fact, excessive fluoride intake has been observed to possibly be related to osteosarcoma in children.  In addition, excessive fluoride intake has been observed to be related to decreased brain function and lower I.Q.  Furthermore, many dentists have come forward to state that in order to reap the benefits of fluoride, it need only be applied to the teeth, not ingested.

Opposition
Many European countries have stopped fluoridating their water supplies, as the benefits of fluoridation proved minimal.  In the U.S., however, fluoridation has actually increased.  In 2000, roughly 60% of the U.S. population’s water supply was fluoridated.  By 2007, that number had increased to nearly 70%. Here’s a brief overview of the reasons for water fluoridation opposition:

• Ethical – Fluoridation is a medical treatment.  In the U.S., citizens have the right to refuse medical treatment.  By fluoridating the water supply, people do not have the opportunity to refuse treatment.
• Unknown Effects – Surprisingly, water fluoridation has not been studied as rigorously as one might assume, with the exception of the studies in the 1930s and 1940s.  In fact, the FDA has not approved any supplement claiming to promote healthy teeth through fluoride ingestion.  Furthermore, the benefit is in question considering that countries that do no fluoridate their water supply have seen similar or greater decreases in instances of dental cavities.  Also, there are still questions as to what the effect of fluoride is to child development and brain function.  Finally, the amount of fluoride added to the water supply is meant for the average person, and does not take children, babies, or smaller than average people into account, and the effects it has on them.
• Fluoride is poison – Two of the main methods used for fluoridating the water supply, fluorosilicic acid and sodium fluorosilicate, are both by-products of the manufacture of phosphate-based fertilizer.

The Verdict
The effect of fluoridation on the public water supply is questionable at best. In my opinion, until those questions are answered, fluoridation of the water supply should cease. For more information about the benefits of water fluoridation visit the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. If you’d like to know more about the negative effects of fluoride, visit the Fluoride Action Network.

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