USA - Letter: Fluoride debate

By Richard Miller, Lawrence

March 30, 2015

To the editor:

Approximately two-thirds of the U.S. adds the toxic industrial waste product known as fluoride to the tap water to supposedly prevent tooth decay. Most developed countries do not fluoridate their water. According to the World Health Organization, there is no discernible difference in tooth decay between developed countries that fluoridate their water and those that do not.   

Fluoride is only effective as a topical. Ingesting fluoride has no benefit. In fact, consuming fluoride is linked to the following health issues: arthritis, dementia, bone fractures, bone cancer, muscle disorders, lower IQ, lower thyroid function, immune system disruption, lethargy, heavy metal increase, and on and on. Fluoride is a known endocrine disruptor and accumulates in the pineal gland. 

According to the Washington Post (“The untold story of how the sugar industry shaped key government research about your teeth,” March 11, 2015), the sugar industry swayed government funded research to focus on the wider use of fluoride and sealants in dental hygiene rather than recommending less sugar consumption. 

The Lawrence city commissioners decide whether or not fluoride is added to our water supply. Interestingly, Wichita is more progressive than Lawrence in that is does not add fluoride to the water.

It is time for our city commissioners to quit playing doctor by medicating the population with fluoride in our tap water. Instead, our public servants should recommend the citizenry take personal responsibility for their own health and perhaps reduce their sugar intake. Those that believe fluoride is still good for the body can always choose use fluoride toothpaste. I just hope they read the warning label first.