A reader just 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 sensible query—and the reply simply grew to become nationwide information.
As a result of as of September 2024, a U.S. federal courtroom has formally dominated that the fluoridation chemical compounds added to public water provides pose an unreasonable threat to human well being, notably to the growing brains of youngsters.
The Ruling That Modified The whole lot
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) because of the scientifically established threat of neurodevelopmental hurt.
That is the primary time in U.S. historical past {that a} federal courtroom has dominated that including fluoride to public water provides isn’t just ineffective—however unsafe beneath federal chemical security regulation.
“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.”
—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 revealed 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 Evaluation: Minimal Profit, Severe Danger
Essentially the most complete evaluate of fluoridation to this point—revealed by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2015—discovered that trendy proof supporting fluoride in ingesting water is weak at greatest:
- Out of 155 research, solely 3 met trendy scientific requirements.
- The common profit? Simply 0.3 fewer decayed tooth 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 Essential Distinction: Topical vs. Systemic
Right here’s a distinction that’s usually ignored 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 evaluate 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 lowered IQ in kids.
The paper referred to as for the precautionary precept to information public coverage—arguing that we must always not look ahead to 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 circulation
None of these root causes are addressed by swallowing fluoride in your faucet water.
Most European nations 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 schooling, hygiene, and focused fluoride use—not systemic publicity by means of ingesting water.
What to Do As a substitute
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 top quality sources of those minerals in your food regimen, however don’t depend on food 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—customary filters received’t take away fluoride. These are the water filters I take advantage of and suggest.
- Repair the basis causes: cut back sugar, breathe by means of your nostril, prioritize sleep and saliva circulation.
- Assist your oral microbiome: Ditch the mouthwash and use a tongue scraper as an alternative! Your mouth is dwelling to a posh ecosystem of micro organism—some protecting, some damaging. Overusing antiseptic rinses, consuming ultra-processed meals, and mouth respiration can disrupt this steadiness, resulting in decay and gum illness. Give attention to feeding your good micro organism with a low-sugar, whole-food food regimen and utilizing oral care merchandise that protect microbial range somewhat than sterilizing it.
We’ve lined many of those subjects in previous newsletters—however let me know if you happen to’d like me to dive deeper into any of them in future editions.
Remaining Ideas
If fluoride had been a brand new drug in the present day—with this degree of threat 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, but it surely doesn’t essentially equate to credibility.
Credibility comes from constantly 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 essential.
👉 Ahead this to your dentist, your physician, or your metropolis council rep. You don’t need to debate—simply let the science (and the ruling) communicate for itself.
-Mark
