🦷 So your dentist continues to be defending fluoride? Here is what you are going to ahead them…

A reader lately 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 turned nationwide information.

As a result of as of September 2024, a U.S. federal court docket has formally dominated that the fluoridation chemical compounds added to public water provides pose an unreasonable threat to human well being, significantly to the creating brains of youngsters.

The Ruling That Modified All the pieces
In a landmark determination, Decide 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) because of the scientifically established threat of neurodevelopmental hurt.

That is the primary time in U.S. historical past {that a} federal court docket has dominated that including fluoride to public water provides isn’t just ineffective—however unsafe beneath federal chemical security legislation.

“The Court docket concludes that plaintiffs have carried their burden and confirmed by a preponderance of the proof that fluoridation presents an unreasonable threat of neurodevelopmental hurt.”
—Decide Edward Chen

Supply: Fluoride Alert

The plaintiffs, supported by over 100 peer-reviewed research, efficiently argued that fluoride publicity—particularly throughout being pregnant—can impair cognitive growth in kids.

One key research cited through the trial was a 2019 NIH-funded paper printed in JAMA Pediatrics, which discovered that larger maternal fluoride publicity was linked to decrease IQ scores in boys.

Supply: Inexperienced et al., 2019 – JAMA Pediatrics

Cochrane Evaluate: Minimal Profit, Critical Threat
Probably the most complete assessment of fluoridation up to now—printed by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2015—discovered that trendy proof supporting fluoride in ingesting water is weak at finest:

• Out of 155 research, solely 3 met trendy scientific requirements.
• The common profit? Simply 0.3 fewer decayed tooth per little one in fluoridated areas.
• In the meantime, the chance of dental fluorosis was constantly elevated throughout populations.

Supply: Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Evaluations 2024

We’re swallowing a neurotoxin for 0.3 fewer cavities. That’s not science-based coverage!

The Important Distinction: Topical vs. Systemic
Right here’s a distinction that’s typically missed within the fluoride debate…

• Topical fluoride (like toothpaste) works on the tooth floor.
• Systemic fluoride (like ingesting 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 printed a assessment by Harvard toxicologist Philippe Grandjean and Dr. Philip Landrigan figuring out fluoride as a attainable developmental neurotoxicant, primarily based on rising proof linking excessive fluoride publicity to decreased IQ in kids.

The paper known as for the precautionary precept to information public coverage—arguing that we should always not anticipate definitive proof earlier than defending weak populations from threat.

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 respiration
• Low saliva stream

None of these root causes are addressed by swallowing fluoride in your faucet water.

Most European international locations 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 World Oral Well being Standing Report, 2022

Their secret? Public well being methods that emphasize schooling, hygiene, and focused fluoride use—not systemic publicity via ingesting water.

What to Do As an alternative
In order for you actual cavity prevention, right here’s the place to begin:

• 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—commonplace filters received’t take away fluoride. These are the water filters I take advantage of and advocate.
• Repair the foundation causes: scale back sugar, breathe via your nostril, prioritize sleep and saliva stream.
• Assist your oral microbiome: Ditch the mouthwash and use a tongue scraper as an alternative! Your mouth is dwelling to a fancy ecosystem of micro organism—some protecting, some damaging. Overusing antiseptic rinses, consuming ultra-processed meals, and mouth respiration can disrupt this stability, resulting in decay and gum illness. Concentrate on feeding your good micro organism with a low-sugar, whole-food weight-reduction plan and utilizing oral care merchandise that protect microbial variety slightly than sterilizing it.

We’ve coated many of those subjects in previous newsletters—however let me know in the event you’d like me to dive deeper into any of them in future editions.

Closing Ideas
If fluoride have been a brand new drug at this time—with this degree of threat and this little profit—it could by no means be permitted.

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, nevertheless it doesn’t essentially equate to credibility.

Credibility comes from constantly attaining good outcomes, adapting to new info, and demonstrating experience.

Longevity alone can typically result in complacency or resistance to vary.

True credibility is constructed on a basis of information, ability, and a willingness to evolve when needed.

👉 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