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 sensible query—and the reply simply grew to become 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 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 Courtroom (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 court docket has dominated that including fluoride to public water provides is not only ineffective—however unsafe beneath federal chemical security legislation.
“The Courtroom 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 growth in kids.
One key examine cited throughout the trial was a 2019 NIH-funded paper printed in JAMA Pediatrics, which discovered that increased maternal fluoride publicity was linked to decrease IQ scores in boys.
Supply: Inexperienced et al., 2019 – JAMA Pediatrics
Cochrane Overview: Minimal Profit, Critical Threat
Probably the most complete overview of fluoridation so far—printed by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2015—discovered that fashionable proof supporting fluoride in consuming water is weak at greatest:
- Out of 155 research, solely 3 met fashionable scientific requirements.
- The common profit? Simply 0.3 fewer decayed tooth per baby in fluoridated areas.
- In the meantime, the danger 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 Important Distinction: Topical vs. Systemic
Right here’s a distinction that’s typically ignored 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.
Virtually all cavity-fighting advantages come from topical use.
Virtually all dangers come from ingestion.
Fluoride Categorized as a Neurotoxin
In 2014, The Lancet Neurology printed a overview by Harvard toxicologist Philippe Grandjean and Dr. Philip Landrigan figuring out fluoride as a doable developmental neurotoxicant, primarily based on rising proof linking excessive fluoride publicity to lowered IQ in kids.
The paper known as for the precautionary precept to information public coverage—arguing that we must always not watch for definitive proof earlier than defending susceptible 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 respiration
- Low saliva circulate
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 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 means of consuming water.
What to Do As an alternative
In order for you 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 gained’t take away fluoride. These are the water filters I exploit and advocate.
- Repair the basis causes: scale back sugar, breathe by means of your nostril, prioritize sleep and saliva circulate.
- Help your oral microbiome: Ditch the mouthwash and use a tongue scraper as a substitute! Your mouth is residence to a posh ecosystem of micro organism—some protecting, some harmful. Overusing antiseptic rinses, consuming ultra-processed meals, and mouth respiration 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 slightly than sterilizing it.
We’ve lined many of those matters in previous newsletters—however let me know in the event you’d like me to dive deeper into any of them in future editions.
Remaining Ideas
If fluoride had been a brand new drug as we speak—with this stage of danger and this little profit—it might 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 persistently attaining good outcomes, adapting to new data, and demonstrating experience.
Longevity alone can generally result in complacency or resistance to alter.
True credibility is constructed on a basis of information, ability, and a willingness to evolve when crucial.
👉 Ahead this to your dentist, your physician, or your metropolis council rep. You don’t should debate—simply let the science (and the ruling) converse for itself.
-Mark
