USA - Geoff Oldfather: To fluoride or not to fluoride?
Geoff Oldfather: To fluoride or not to fluoride?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
I'm surprised the anti-fluoride extremists aren't citing Nostradamus or consulting the Mayan calendar.
They've done just about everything else in their attempts to malign and vilify one of the safest preventive health measures on the planet.
For months a small and often vitriolic group has been plying me with misinformation while accusing fluoride proponents of using the same tactic.
Far from conceding fluoride in drinking water can prevent tooth decay and strengthen bones, they claim it will lead to everything from brain damage to bone cancer, and for all I know, a spiraling national debt.
One of their favorite targets and tactics is the American Dental Association and taking ADA data, studies and statements out of context.
For example:
Fluoride opponents say the American Dental Association itself has come out against fluoride.
They cite an article from an August 2007 bulletin by the "Environmental Working Group that says in part "(e)ven the American Dental Association ... tells parents to avoid fluoridated water," and they point to what the ADA says about baby formula and fluoridated water.
But the anti's are misrepresenting what the ADA actually says, which is that infant formula prepared with fluoridated water — over time and at levels above the recommended optimum — can slightly, and the key word is "slightly," increase the risk of discolored teeth.
It's a cautionary note just like thousands of warnings associated with any product. After all, aspirin can help prevent heart attacks, but if you take a handful all at once they might kill you. It doesn't mean we're going to outlaw aspirin.
The ADA still recommends fluoridated water even for youngsters as the best way to prevent tooth decay.
Through all the hyperbole leading up to the city of Stuart referendum on whether to add fluoride to the water supply, I've been talking with Dr. David Boden, a local dentist who's been the target of some of the meanest bile from the anti-fluoride faction I've ever seen.
He's a voice of reason who wants civil public discussion on the issue, but he's so put off by the target painted on his back he'll probably never again take on a public campaign even if it is for the public good. And that's too bad.
"What they're saying are falsehoods or extraordinary distortions of the facts," Boden said.
Here are the first two statements in the ADA executive summary of its paper titled simply, "Fluoridation Facts."
"Fluoridation of community water supplies is the single most effective public health measure to prevent dental decay."
And, "Throughout more than 60 years of research and practical experience the overwhelming weight of credible scientific evidence has consistently indicated that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe."
The material in the executive summary draws on more than 350 peer-reviewed scientific studies that cover everything from the alleged links between fluoride and cancer to the proven health benefits.
And, in 1999, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention included water fluoridation in its list of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Don't take my word for it or that of the anti-fluoride faction. I've included a link to the ADA's executive summary as well as a link to one of the anti-fluoride Web sites with the online version of this column. Look at the material that's out there.
And you decide. Use logic and reason, and I know:
You'll vote in favor.
Martin County columnist Geoff Oldfather can be reached at (772) 221-4217 or geoff.oldfather@scripps.com. Catch Geoff Sunday mornings live from 8 to 9 a.m. on The Coast, 101.3 FM, for the Coast Forum. The Coast Live Line is (772) 344-1999.For a list of organizations that support adding fluoride and pro-fluoride information see www.healthysmilesproject.org. For the ADA's "Fluoride Facts" go to www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/facts/fluoridation_facts.pdf.
The anti-fluoride campaign often cites a National Academies study released in March 2006. That study, which addressed the maximum level of fluoride in water but not the practice of fluoridation, can be found at www.nationalacademies.org/nrc/. Enter "fluoride" in the Web site search engine. There is more anti-fluoride information at www.fluoridealert.org.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SUPPORTS FLUORIDE
The Florida Department of Health sent a release Friday signed by State Surgeon General Dr. Ana M. Viamonte Ros supporting and recommending adding fluoride to drinking water supplies. To see the release, visit TCPalm.com.
Comments(3)
#1 Posted by truth_seeker on January 27, 2008 at 2:13 a.m.
Wow, wow, wow!
Ok, lets put the proponents claims to the test!
Are those entities able to back up their one-sided claims with personal responsibility & liability, when it comes to the crush?
Well if not, that speaks of volumes!!
It is well known that this toxin dulls the mind, causes arthritis, various cancers later on + destroys enzymes etc. etc.
You really get healthy teeth via a healthy responsible diet + good dental hygiene, not via some toxic diluted industrial waste!
If the so-called health experts, are not able to backup their wild claims, then it remains pure fiction!
Merely repeating age old, worn out endorsements, does NOT constitute scientific proof, which never existed from its start in the very first place, not genuinely anyway...
Obviously the proponents are bursting, to get the masses medicated!!
We'll hear them roar, soon enough, after this message!
#2 Posted by truth_seeker on January 27, 2008 at 2:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, and not one word from Oldfather, that they're seeking to pollute the drinking water, with toxic garbage, not one word, typical, just typical!
As long as there are greedy self serving entities out there, they'll likely keep getting the upper hand on this, unless there's a long awaited, overdue, Congressional hearing into this!!
#3 Posted by truth_seeker on January 27, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Big deal, the State Surgeon General recommended dumping junk, into the drinking water supply!
They have to endorse this!
Who do you think, pays them to do this?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
I'm surprised the anti-fluoride extremists aren't citing Nostradamus or consulting the Mayan calendar.
They've done just about everything else in their attempts to malign and vilify one of the safest preventive health measures on the planet.
For months a small and often vitriolic group has been plying me with misinformation while accusing fluoride proponents of using the same tactic.
Far from conceding fluoride in drinking water can prevent tooth decay and strengthen bones, they claim it will lead to everything from brain damage to bone cancer, and for all I know, a spiraling national debt.
One of their favorite targets and tactics is the American Dental Association and taking ADA data, studies and statements out of context.
For example:
Fluoride opponents say the American Dental Association itself has come out against fluoride.
They cite an article from an August 2007 bulletin by the "Environmental Working Group that says in part "(e)ven the American Dental Association ... tells parents to avoid fluoridated water," and they point to what the ADA says about baby formula and fluoridated water.
But the anti's are misrepresenting what the ADA actually says, which is that infant formula prepared with fluoridated water — over time and at levels above the recommended optimum — can slightly, and the key word is "slightly," increase the risk of discolored teeth.
It's a cautionary note just like thousands of warnings associated with any product. After all, aspirin can help prevent heart attacks, but if you take a handful all at once they might kill you. It doesn't mean we're going to outlaw aspirin.
The ADA still recommends fluoridated water even for youngsters as the best way to prevent tooth decay.
Through all the hyperbole leading up to the city of Stuart referendum on whether to add fluoride to the water supply, I've been talking with Dr. David Boden, a local dentist who's been the target of some of the meanest bile from the anti-fluoride faction I've ever seen.
He's a voice of reason who wants civil public discussion on the issue, but he's so put off by the target painted on his back he'll probably never again take on a public campaign even if it is for the public good. And that's too bad.
"What they're saying are falsehoods or extraordinary distortions of the facts," Boden said.
Here are the first two statements in the ADA executive summary of its paper titled simply, "Fluoridation Facts."
"Fluoridation of community water supplies is the single most effective public health measure to prevent dental decay."
And, "Throughout more than 60 years of research and practical experience the overwhelming weight of credible scientific evidence has consistently indicated that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe."
The material in the executive summary draws on more than 350 peer-reviewed scientific studies that cover everything from the alleged links between fluoride and cancer to the proven health benefits.
And, in 1999, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention included water fluoridation in its list of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Don't take my word for it or that of the anti-fluoride faction. I've included a link to the ADA's executive summary as well as a link to one of the anti-fluoride Web sites with the online version of this column. Look at the material that's out there.
And you decide. Use logic and reason, and I know:
You'll vote in favor.
Martin County columnist Geoff Oldfather can be reached at (772) 221-4217 or geoff.oldfather@scripps.com. Catch Geoff Sunday mornings live from 8 to 9 a.m. on The Coast, 101.3 FM, for the Coast Forum. The Coast Live Line is (772) 344-1999.For a list of organizations that support adding fluoride and pro-fluoride information see www.healthysmilesproject.org. For the ADA's "Fluoride Facts" go to www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/facts/fluoridation_facts.pdf.
The anti-fluoride campaign often cites a National Academies study released in March 2006. That study, which addressed the maximum level of fluoride in water but not the practice of fluoridation, can be found at www.nationalacademies.org/nrc/. Enter "fluoride" in the Web site search engine. There is more anti-fluoride information at www.fluoridealert.org.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SUPPORTS FLUORIDE
The Florida Department of Health sent a release Friday signed by State Surgeon General Dr. Ana M. Viamonte Ros supporting and recommending adding fluoride to drinking water supplies. To see the release, visit TCPalm.com.
Comments(3)
#1 Posted by truth_seeker on January 27, 2008 at 2:13 a.m.
Wow, wow, wow!
Ok, lets put the proponents claims to the test!
Are those entities able to back up their one-sided claims with personal responsibility & liability, when it comes to the crush?
Well if not, that speaks of volumes!!
It is well known that this toxin dulls the mind, causes arthritis, various cancers later on + destroys enzymes etc. etc.
You really get healthy teeth via a healthy responsible diet + good dental hygiene, not via some toxic diluted industrial waste!
If the so-called health experts, are not able to backup their wild claims, then it remains pure fiction!
Merely repeating age old, worn out endorsements, does NOT constitute scientific proof, which never existed from its start in the very first place, not genuinely anyway...
Obviously the proponents are bursting, to get the masses medicated!!
We'll hear them roar, soon enough, after this message!
#2 Posted by truth_seeker on January 27, 2008 at 2:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh, and not one word from Oldfather, that they're seeking to pollute the drinking water, with toxic garbage, not one word, typical, just typical!
As long as there are greedy self serving entities out there, they'll likely keep getting the upper hand on this, unless there's a long awaited, overdue, Congressional hearing into this!!
#3 Posted by truth_seeker on January 27, 2008 at 2:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Big deal, the State Surgeon General recommended dumping junk, into the drinking water supply!
They have to endorse this!
Who do you think, pays them to do this?
posted by Bill at
10:27 AM
1 Comments:
Sodium fluoride is a poison. It was used by Hitler to dumb down inmates of concentration camps.
It lowers IQ and exposes people to a range of diseases. It's harmful to teeth and even more harmful to health.
Science Philosophy Life
By
Anonymous, at 17 February, 2008
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