Taking fluoride out of water is not about caries. Sure that is the target for it and it can help there. But the potential harm is greater when it comes to the microbiome and certain parts of the human development. Kind of important stuff to consider…
Again. This has already been tried in other countries that originally added fluoride to their water and then removed it. Why are we moving backwards?
We are one of the very few countries left that does it. And we are not moving backwards. We are moving with the science. We treat fluoride completely differently in our office compared to how we use to. Because of the science. There are a lot fewer patients we suggest get fluoride treatment in office. As yes. It kills bacteria. Including good bacteria. Don't fall for the medical dogma.
Could be an issue, but some people just have good genes. My grandmother never had a cavity in her life and neither has my sister who still uses a standard tooth brush and had never bought floss. I've had root canals and cavities starting at age 11. I now use an electron toothbrush and floss every time. I have used a prescription fluoride rinse before and it did the best job. Flouride works.
What science are you talking about? The most recent science says we're moving backwards. The effect of cessation of drinking water fluoridation on dental restorations and crowns in children aged 3-5 years in Israel - a retrospective study - PubMed
I have not studied this, and it seems you're correct that many countries do not put fluoride in their water. Those include countries such as Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Japan - which reportedly have better oral health outcomes than the U.S. However, it also seems fair to point out that those countries appear to have universal or heavily subsidized dental care, particularly for children. I'd be curious to know how many countries there are which (1) do not have fluoride in the water; and (2) do not offer free or heavily subsidized dental care; and (3) have superior outcomes relative to other countries.
I have questions about dentists. Five years ago I had a rear molar extracted. This despite drinking fluoridated water all my life. The dentist warned me that if I did not get an implant the adjacent tooth would likely migrate. He also told me the adjacent tooth was developing a cavity and that I needed to keep an eye on it. Finally, he expressed concern about bone loss. Went to a different dentist recently (first check up in years) and was told no migration, no cavity and no abnormal bone loss.
That is a singular focused piece about dental caries. Again the science is changing. If you want to follow medical dogma. There will be a lot of doctors out there who are not keeping up with the science. But do as you wish. Florida is moving with the science and challenging the dogma. The US is starting to move but still set in the past. Refusing to accept the science as it moves forward.
What’s wrong with people adding fluoride IF THEY WANT IT and leaving the rest on their own ? Is there a ghastlier principle than “Greater Good” ?
Good post. And all part of how we should proceed. But just saying we need fluoride as some are is lazy and ignoring important new science.
Sounds like options were covered. Need the whole story on the implant. I am sure there are times it might be something to consider but feels like rear molar is more how the patient feels not having it most of the time. Good news on the adjacent tooth and bone loss!
It is on going and new to the medical literature. But the concerns are real. Google can help you realize this. My wife is far more understanding of what is coming out on it through her classes at the Dawson Academy which is similar to Pankey/Spear/LVI/etc… This is not a mountain to die on issue right now. But it is a real issue. And shoot. I wish it said treat everyone with fluoride and made the case for that. As we make money when fluoride is given. But we are not going to treat patients to make money off them. We are going to treat them for their needs and what is best for their health. We use to treat with fluoride at a much higher rate than we do now. But the science is moving on the issue. Medical Dogma is hard to overcome. And that included by those in the trenches.
There is a great alternative to fluoride .... a calcium sodium phosphosilicate bioactive ceramic glass. Unfortunately, it can't be put into a public water system but must be applied directly to teeth and gums in a non-aqueous paste.