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 substances 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 things
In a landmark resolution, Decide 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) 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 below 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 threat of neurodevelopmental hurt.”
—Decide 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 youngsters.
One key research cited throughout 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 Evaluate: Minimal Profit, Critical Threat
Probably the most complete assessment of fluoridation thus far—revealed by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2015—discovered that fashionable proof supporting fluoride in ingesting water is weak at finest:
- Out of 155 research, solely 3 met fashionable scientific requirements.
- The typical profit? Simply 0.3 fewer decayed enamel per baby in fluoridated areas.
- In the meantime, the chance of dental fluorosis was constantly 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 usually 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.
Virtually all cavity-fighting advantages come from topical use.
Virtually all dangers come from ingestion.
Fluoride Labeled as a Neurotoxin
In 2014, The Lancet Neurology revealed a assessment by Harvard toxicologist Philippe Grandjean and Dr. Philip Landrigan figuring out fluoride as a potential developmental neurotoxicant, primarily based on rising proof linking excessive fluoride publicity to decreased IQ in youngsters.
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 move
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 programs that emphasize training, hygiene, and focused fluoride use—not systemic publicity by way of ingesting water.
What to Do As a substitute
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 top quality sources of those minerals in your eating regimen, however don’t depend on eating regimen 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—normal filters gained’t take away fluoride. These are the water filters I take advantage of and advocate.
- Repair the basis causes: scale back sugar, breathe by way of your nostril, prioritize sleep and saliva move.
- Help your oral microbiome: Ditch the mouthwash and use a tongue scraper as a substitute! Your mouth is residence to a fancy 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. Deal with feeding your good micro organism with a low-sugar, whole-food eating regimen and utilizing oral care merchandise that protect microbial variety quite than sterilizing it.
We’ve lined many of those subjects in previous newsletters—however let me know for those who’d like me to dive deeper into any of them in future editions.
Remaining Ideas
If fluoride have been a brand new drug right this moment—with this stage of threat and this little profit—it will by no means be accepted.
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 constantly reaching 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 data, ability, and a willingness to evolve when mandatory.
👉 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
