A reader not too long ago requested me…
“If Europe doesn’t fluoridate its water, why do they nonetheless have decrease cavity charges than the U.S.?”
It’s a wise query—and the reply simply grew to become nationwide information.
As a result of as of September 2024, a U.S. federal courtroom has formally dominated that the fluoridation chemical compounds added to public water provides pose an unreasonable danger to human well being, significantly to the growing brains of kids.
The Ruling That Modified Every thing
In a landmark resolution, Choose Edward Chen of the U.S. District Court docket (Northern District of California) dominated in Meals & Water Watch et al. v. EPA that water fluoridation violates the Poisonous Substances Management Act (TSCA) as a result of scientifically established danger of neurodevelopmental hurt.
That is the primary time in U.S. historical past {that a} federal courtroom has dominated that including fluoride to public water provides is not only ineffective—however unsafe underneath federal chemical security regulation.
“The Court docket concludes that plaintiffs have carried their burden and confirmed by a preponderance of the proof that fluoridation presents an unreasonable danger of neurodevelopmental hurt.”
—Choose Edward Chen
The plaintiffs, supported by over 100 peer-reviewed research, efficiently argued that fluoride publicity—particularly throughout being pregnant—can impair cognitive improvement in youngsters.
One key research cited through the trial was a 2019 NIH-funded paper revealed in JAMA Pediatrics, which discovered that greater maternal fluoride publicity was linked to decrease IQ scores in boys.
Supply: Inexperienced et al., 2019 – JAMA Pediatrics
Cochrane Assessment: Minimal Profit, Severe Threat
Essentially the most complete evaluate of fluoridation so far—revealed by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2015—discovered that trendy proof supporting fluoride in consuming water is weak at greatest:
- Out of 155 research, solely 3 met trendy scientific requirements.
- The typical profit? Simply 0.3 fewer decayed tooth per little one in fluoridated areas.
- In the meantime, the chance of dental fluorosis was persistently elevated throughout populations.
We’re swallowing a neurotoxin for 0.3 fewer cavities. That’s not science-based coverage!
The Essential Distinction: Topical vs. Systemic
Right here’s a distinction that’s usually missed within the fluoride debate…
- Topical fluoride (like toothpaste) works on the tooth floor.
- Systemic fluoride (like consuming water) is ingested, absorbed into the bloodstream, and distributed all through the physique—together with the mind.
Nearly all cavity-fighting advantages come from topical use.
Nearly all dangers come from ingestion.
Fluoride Categorised as a Neurotoxin
In 2014, The Lancet Neurology revealed a evaluate by Harvard toxicologist Philippe Grandjean and Dr. Philip Landrigan figuring out fluoride as a potential developmental neurotoxicant, based mostly on rising proof linking excessive fluoride publicity to lowered IQ in youngsters.
The paper known as for the precautionary precept to information public coverage—arguing that we must always not look forward to definitive proof earlier than defending weak populations from danger.
Supply: Neurobehavioural results of developmental toxicity
“However It Prevents Cavities!” ← Does It Actually?
Right here’s the reality: Tooth decay isn’t brought on by a fluoride deficiency.
It’s brought on by:
- Imbalanced oral microbiome
- Sugar, acids, and refined carbs
- Mouth respiratory
- Low saliva move
None of these root causes are addressed by swallowing fluoride in your faucet water.
Most European nations don’t fluoridate their water, and but many have equal or decrease charges of tooth decay than the U.S.
Supply: Cheng et al., 2007 – BMJ
Supply: WHO International Oral Well being Standing Report, 2022
Their secret? Public well being techniques that emphasize training, hygiene, and focused fluoride use—not systemic publicity by consuming water.
What to Do As a substitute
If you’d like actual cavity prevention, right here’s the place to start out:
- Use nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste like Fygg, which remineralizes enamel with out the systemic toxicity of fluoride.
- Complement with minerals, particularly magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Vitamin D. Incorporate prime quality sources of those minerals in your weight-reduction plan, however don’t depend on weight-reduction plan alone as a result of our meals system and soil high quality have been depleted. These are the dietary supplements I take myself.
- Filter your water with reverse osmosis—customary filters received’t take away fluoride. These are the water filters I exploit and suggest.
- Repair the basis causes: scale back sugar, breathe by your nostril, prioritize sleep and saliva move.
- Help your oral microbiome: Ditch the mouthwash and use a tongue scraper as an alternative! Your mouth is residence to a posh ecosystem of micro organism—some protecting, some harmful. Overusing antiseptic rinses, consuming ultra-processed meals, and mouth respiratory can disrupt this stability, resulting in decay and gum illness. Give attention to feeding your good micro organism with a low-sugar, whole-food weight-reduction plan and utilizing oral care merchandise that protect microbial range somewhat than sterilizing it.
We’ve lined many of those subjects in previous newsletters—however let me know should you’d like me to dive deeper into any of them in future editions.
Ultimate Ideas
If fluoride had been a brand new drug right this moment—with this stage of danger and this little profit—it might by no means be accredited.
Let’s cease defending outdated insurance policies and begin transferring towards smarter, safer options.
Doing one thing for a very long time can point out expertise, however it doesn’t essentially equate to credibility.
Credibility comes from persistently attaining good outcomes, adapting to new data, and demonstrating experience.
Longevity alone can generally result in complacency or resistance to vary.
True credibility is constructed on a basis of data, talent, and a willingness to evolve when crucial.
👉 Ahead this to your dentist, your physician, or your metropolis council rep. You don’t must debate—simply let the science (and the ruling) communicate for itself.
-Mark
