Scary Headlines Are No Reason for Rotting Teeth

Prepare to be shocked. About 60 years ago, the average U.S. adult had 18 teeth that were decayed, missing or filled. We have made a lot of progress since then. But as we have heard more in the news lately about fluoride, let’s not forget that tooth decay is still the most common chronic disease of children and adults.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, and 75 years of research has demonstrated consistently that when fluoride is added to water at optimal amounts, it is a safe and incredibly effective way to reduce cavities. When water is fluoridated, everyone in that community has access to preventive oral health care regardless of income, age, or educational background.
Recent headlines reported that fluoride was “associated” with lower IQ scores in children. It’s no surprise that these stories sparked questions and raised curiosity. Yet those headlines left a key question unanswered — at what level is fluoride linked to these harms? Most of the studies creating these headlines came from areas of China and India where the amount of fluoride in water is way higher than what exists in the public water systems of West Virginia.

Of the 74 studies that raised concern, only seven of them studied water with less than 1.5 milligrams per liter of fluoride. These seven studies matter most because the public water systems in our state keep fluoride well below the 1.5 level.

And here’s the key takeaway: These seven studies found no link between fluoride and lower IQ scores.

Like everything, the amount matters. Too much of a good thing usually isn’t good, and fluoride is no exception. In very large doses, fluoride has been shown to have some negative effects. However, at the levels we normally experience in West Virginia, we’re in a safe zone —a zone that protects our teeth.

The science shows that fluoridated tap water reduces the prevalence of cavities by 25% for both children and adults. This reduction in dental decay translates directly to less pain, fewer dental procedures, and less time lost from school or work due to dental issues. The economic advantages are huge: communities with fluoridated water save an average of $32 per person,per year in dental costs.

The most respected health leaders support water fluoridation. These organizations include the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. PublicHealth Service. These experts welcome new research and review it to ensure that our levels of fluoride are safe.

Even the U.S. Defense Department supports water fluoridation. Surprised? It all makes sense when you consider that the Pentagon wants to ensure the military readiness of its troops. An abscessed tooth or other dental problems can interrupt the important tasks of soldiers, requiring them to be air-lifted from a combat area. Prevention of decay limits these complications, and it’s why Defense officials require military bases to fluoridate their drinking water.

We invite readers to learn more by checking out fluoridation resources from the American Dental Association and I Like My Teeth (American Academy of Pediatrics).
The West Virginia Oral Health Coalition and West Virginians for Affordable Health Care affirm that community water fluoridation is a vital public health practice that improves oral health, saves costs, and enhances overall well-being. Instead of turning back the clock to a sad era for mouths and teeth, let’s maintain water fluoridation, supporting the health and prosperity of our communities for generations to come.

Ellen Allen is executive director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care.
Gina Sharps is the executive director of the West Virginia Oral Health Coalition.