USA - Fluoride proponent overlooks dental fluorosis
Fluoride proponent overlooks dental fluorosis
Feb. 2 — To the Editor:
I am responding to a letter published Tuesday, "Public water fluoridation is safe and effective," by Gail Brown from the New Hampshire Oral Health Coalition. Ms. Brown failed to mention the words "dental fluorosis" in her letter.
Dental fluorosis is caused when a child has been overdosed with fluoride and results in permanent staining and pitting of teeth. The federal government announced last month that they are proposing to lower the fluoride levels in public drinking water since at least 41 percent of U.S. adolescents have dental fluorosis. Our children have been steadily showing an increase in fluorosis since the 1980s. Even children from non-fluoridated water systems are showing an increase in fluorosis.
Ms. Brown said, "The American Dental Association reports that the cost of lifetime water fluoridation for an individual is less than the cost of a single dental filling." According to Dr. Bill Osmunson, a cosmetic dentist, who recently testified in the N.H. House on a fluoride bill, said the cost to repair a tooth with dental fluorosis is between "$1,500 and $3,000." The repair is temporary and lasts about 10 years. He said a person could incur $100,000 in lifetime cosmetic repair for fluorosis.
Dr. Jonathan Shenkin, a pediatric dentist and spokesman for the Maine Dental Association, recently was quoted in the press saying, "Toothpaste alone has enough fluoride in it that if you use too much of it at each time you brush your child's teeth then you're putting them at risk for fluorosis." Think about that statement. If our children can get an overdose of fluoride simply by using too much toothpaste when they brush their teeth, why would you want more fluoride added to drinking water?
Several peer-reviewed studies shown correlations between the presence of dental fluorosis and a higher risk of adverse health effects, including effects on thyroid function, decreased IQ, and increased risk of bone fracture.
Basic medical ethics said to "do no harm." The truth about water fluoridation is that it is unnecessary, unsafe and unethical.
John Meinhold, OD
Portsmouth
Feb. 2 — To the Editor:
I am responding to a letter published Tuesday, "Public water fluoridation is safe and effective," by Gail Brown from the New Hampshire Oral Health Coalition. Ms. Brown failed to mention the words "dental fluorosis" in her letter.
Dental fluorosis is caused when a child has been overdosed with fluoride and results in permanent staining and pitting of teeth. The federal government announced last month that they are proposing to lower the fluoride levels in public drinking water since at least 41 percent of U.S. adolescents have dental fluorosis. Our children have been steadily showing an increase in fluorosis since the 1980s. Even children from non-fluoridated water systems are showing an increase in fluorosis.
Ms. Brown said, "The American Dental Association reports that the cost of lifetime water fluoridation for an individual is less than the cost of a single dental filling." According to Dr. Bill Osmunson, a cosmetic dentist, who recently testified in the N.H. House on a fluoride bill, said the cost to repair a tooth with dental fluorosis is between "$1,500 and $3,000." The repair is temporary and lasts about 10 years. He said a person could incur $100,000 in lifetime cosmetic repair for fluorosis.
Dr. Jonathan Shenkin, a pediatric dentist and spokesman for the Maine Dental Association, recently was quoted in the press saying, "Toothpaste alone has enough fluoride in it that if you use too much of it at each time you brush your child's teeth then you're putting them at risk for fluorosis." Think about that statement. If our children can get an overdose of fluoride simply by using too much toothpaste when they brush their teeth, why would you want more fluoride added to drinking water?
Several peer-reviewed studies shown correlations between the presence of dental fluorosis and a higher risk of adverse health effects, including effects on thyroid function, decreased IQ, and increased risk of bone fracture.
Basic medical ethics said to "do no harm." The truth about water fluoridation is that it is unnecessary, unsafe and unethical.
John Meinhold, OD
Portsmouth
posted by Bill at
10:38 AM
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