Alaska - Don't throw the baby teeth out with the bath water of fear
My Turn: Don't throw the baby teeth out with the bath water of fear
GEORGE W. BROWN
The people who will gain the most from a Yes vote on Proposition 2 on Oct. 2 are children. This is especially so for those among us whose families are poor and without access to doctors and dentists. When Proposition 2 passes, Juneau will resume safe and effective prevention of tooth decay. The element, fluorine, is present widely in all of earth's crust as the fluoride ion. Small amounts are present in all of earth's water sources, including Juneau's. The U.S. Public Health Service has measured water levels of fluoride since 1950. This research confirms levels between 0.7 and 1.2 parts per million (ppm) prevent tooth decay and the cosmetic condition, dental fluorosis. Numerous research publications continue to show the safety and effectiveness of these fluoride levels in water. Research continues to show the natural fluoride levels in the oceans range between 1.2 and 1.4 ppm. Because many communities like Juneau have lower natural levels, supplemental fluoride added as a public health measure provides effective and safe tooth decay prevention.
Great grandparents and some grandparents of our children lived (and still live) with severe tooth decay and dentures before water fluoridation started in the 1940's. Extensive research by dental and public health scientists since show water fluoridation to be the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. It is a peer-reviewed and evidence-based scientific measure that extends tooth decay prevention through the natural occurrence of fluoride in earth's crust and oceans.
Adults and senior citizens also benefit by continued water fluoridation where natural levels are below the 0.7 to 1.2 ppm range. Numerous research articles show the best prevention of tooth decay is achieved by drinking fluoride in the water from birth through life. Sodium fluoride tablets prescribed by dentists and doctors are safe and effective from 6 months to 16 years for children who live in communities with low natural fluoride levels and without water fluoridation. Topical fluoride in toothpaste and rinses provide further tooth decay prevention for children and adults. There is abundant proof that fluoride at natural levels and accurate doses is safe and effective. The American Dental Association's recent recommendation was that fluoridated water not be used only for infants (birth to 1 year old) who are fed with powdered formula. This does not apply to breast fed infants and those receiving pre-mixed liquid formulas. It is safe and effective to give fluoride drops and tablets in the prescribed, correct dose starting at 6 months of life.
Children remain dependent on adults for access to oral fluoride prescriptions and dental treatment. Many children live with families who have no means or access for such prescriptions or dental care. Please vote Yes on Proposition 2 to resume Juneau water fluoridation for all citizens, especially for all children.
• George W. Brown is a pediatrician and Douglas resident.
He forgets to mention that the natural calcium fluoride found in nature is different from the impure waste they commonly use.
GEORGE W. BROWN
The people who will gain the most from a Yes vote on Proposition 2 on Oct. 2 are children. This is especially so for those among us whose families are poor and without access to doctors and dentists. When Proposition 2 passes, Juneau will resume safe and effective prevention of tooth decay. The element, fluorine, is present widely in all of earth's crust as the fluoride ion. Small amounts are present in all of earth's water sources, including Juneau's. The U.S. Public Health Service has measured water levels of fluoride since 1950. This research confirms levels between 0.7 and 1.2 parts per million (ppm) prevent tooth decay and the cosmetic condition, dental fluorosis. Numerous research publications continue to show the safety and effectiveness of these fluoride levels in water. Research continues to show the natural fluoride levels in the oceans range between 1.2 and 1.4 ppm. Because many communities like Juneau have lower natural levels, supplemental fluoride added as a public health measure provides effective and safe tooth decay prevention.
Great grandparents and some grandparents of our children lived (and still live) with severe tooth decay and dentures before water fluoridation started in the 1940's. Extensive research by dental and public health scientists since show water fluoridation to be the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. It is a peer-reviewed and evidence-based scientific measure that extends tooth decay prevention through the natural occurrence of fluoride in earth's crust and oceans.
Adults and senior citizens also benefit by continued water fluoridation where natural levels are below the 0.7 to 1.2 ppm range. Numerous research articles show the best prevention of tooth decay is achieved by drinking fluoride in the water from birth through life. Sodium fluoride tablets prescribed by dentists and doctors are safe and effective from 6 months to 16 years for children who live in communities with low natural fluoride levels and without water fluoridation. Topical fluoride in toothpaste and rinses provide further tooth decay prevention for children and adults. There is abundant proof that fluoride at natural levels and accurate doses is safe and effective. The American Dental Association's recent recommendation was that fluoridated water not be used only for infants (birth to 1 year old) who are fed with powdered formula. This does not apply to breast fed infants and those receiving pre-mixed liquid formulas. It is safe and effective to give fluoride drops and tablets in the prescribed, correct dose starting at 6 months of life.
Children remain dependent on adults for access to oral fluoride prescriptions and dental treatment. Many children live with families who have no means or access for such prescriptions or dental care. Please vote Yes on Proposition 2 to resume Juneau water fluoridation for all citizens, especially for all children.
• George W. Brown is a pediatrician and Douglas resident.
He forgets to mention that the natural calcium fluoride found in nature is different from the impure waste they commonly use.
posted by Bill at
9:52 AM
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