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 turned 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 danger to human well being, notably to the creating brains of youngsters.
The Ruling That Modified All the things
In a landmark choice, Choose 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 danger 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 below 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 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 youngsters.
One key examine cited throughout 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 Evaluation: Minimal Profit, Critical Danger
Essentially the most complete assessment of fluoridation so far—printed by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2015—discovered that trendy proof supporting fluoride in consuming water is weak at finest:
- Out of 155 research, solely 3 met trendy scientific requirements.
- The typical profit? Simply 0.3 fewer decayed tooth per baby in fluoridated areas.
- In the meantime, the danger 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 Vital 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 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 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 youngsters.
The paper referred to as for the precautionary precept to information public coverage—arguing that we should always not anticipate 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 attributable to a fluoride deficiency.
It’s attributable to:
- Imbalanced oral microbiome
- Sugar, acids, and refined carbs
- Mouth respiratory
- Low saliva movement
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 programs that emphasize training, hygiene, and focused fluoride use—not systemic publicity by way of consuming water.
What to Do As an alternative
If you would like 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 food plan, however don’t depend on food 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—normal filters gained’t take away fluoride. These are the water filters I exploit and advocate.
- Repair the foundation causes: cut back sugar, breathe by way of your nostril, prioritize sleep and saliva movement.
- Assist your oral microbiome: Ditch the mouthwash and use a tongue scraper as a substitute! Your mouth is dwelling to a fancy ecosystem of micro organism—some protecting, some damaging. Overusing antiseptic rinses, consuming ultra-processed meals, and mouth respiratory can disrupt this steadiness, resulting in decay and gum illness. Concentrate on feeding your good micro organism with a low-sugar, whole-food food plan and utilizing oral care merchandise that protect microbial variety moderately than sterilizing it.
We’ve lined many of those subjects in previous newsletters—however let me know should you’d like me to dive deeper into any of them in future editions.
Remaining Ideas
If fluoride have been a brand new drug at present—with this degree of danger and this little profit—it could by no means be accredited.
Let’s cease defending outdated insurance policies and begin shifting 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 reaching good outcomes, adapting to new data, and demonstrating experience.
Longevity alone can typically result in complacency or resistance to vary.
True credibility is constructed on a basis of information, talent, and a willingness to evolve when essential.
👉 Ahead this to your dentist, your physician, or your metropolis council rep. You don’t must debate—simply let the science (and the ruling) converse for itself.
-Mark
