21 July 2021

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Water fluoridation has contributed to childhood dental fluorosis, claims NYSCOF

Katherine E. Pfaff

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Water fluoridation has been a decades-long practice in the US to reduce tooth decay. However, the New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation (NYSCOF) claims that the practice is putting kids’ teeth at risk. The group claims that 70% of children have some degree of dental fluorosis as a result of high fluoride exposure. Fluoride also can be found in various foods and products. 

The discolored spots on teeth are found in children who are exposed to water supplies with federally approved levels (0.70 mg/L), claims NYSCOF. According to the organization, the mandated safety threshold does not take into account the proliferation of other fluoride-containing products like toothpaste. Fluoridation was first introduced to water supplies in 1945. 

On the other hand, CDC notes on its website that widespread fluoridation began after a Michigan community’s children had fewer cavities following the addition of fluoride to the water. According to CDC, the practice reduces the number of childhood cavities by two per person, and when combined with other fluoride-containing products protects teeth by another 25%. 

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fluoridation-may-be-doing-more-dental-harm-than-good-researchers-report-using-us-statistics-301327317.html