Another View: Water fluoridation critics’ claims are groundless when put in scientific context

Optimal-level fluoride is no more toxic than are caffeine, water or aspirin at proper use levels.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Steven D. Slott, DDS, is information director for the American Fluoridation Society.

Re: The recent Maine Voices opposing fluoridation, by Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District Superintendent Norm Labbe:

This is a health care issue, not one of water treatment. Mr. Labbe is undoubtedly very good in his field, but he has no apparent qualifications to render credible recommendations on a health care issue.

His claims are the same unsubstantiated ones constantly made by opponents, who rely on misinformation from anti-fluoride websites in lieu of that from peer-reviewed science and respected, reliable sources.

There is little validity to any of Mr. Labbe’s claims. However, a couple of points particularly demonstrate the inaccuracy of his arguments.

The “mounting body of evidence” of adverse effects is a common argument of fluoridation opponents. It has no support in credible, peer-reviewed science. When challenged to produce such evidence, opponents invariably cannot do so.

Fluoride has indeed been on the Environmental Protection Agency list of neurotoxins for years. However, also on that list are common substances like aspartame (sweetener), salicylate (aspirin), ethanol (alcoholic beverages), caffeine and nicotine. Optimal-level fluoride is no more neurotoxic than are any of these substances at proper use levels. Saying that fluoride is toxic at improper use levels is an argument that can be made for every known substance, including plain water.

KK&W Water District residents have been savvy enough to cut through the misinformation before, and will undoubtedly do so again. The take-away from my comments: Rely upon accurate information from reliable, respected sources, and request valid evidence to support all claims, as I am always glad to provide for my own.

As stated by Dr. John Doull, toxicologist and chair of the 2006 National Research Council Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water: “I do not believe there is any valid scientific reason for fearing adverse health conditions from the consumption of water fluoridated at the optimal level.”

No more toxic than aspirin! I believe they upset the stomach and continual use leads to bleeding in the stomach. Children get fluorosis now  in areas without fluoridation. Still handy for making money for dentists with so much emphasis to have white shiny teeth people pay thousands to have veneers.

Porcelain veneers are extremely popular and will provide you with durability and excellent finish while offering a more natural finish and being more translucent than there's composite counterparts. However this more natural finish will come at a price with porcelain veneers starting at around £500-£1,100 per tooth.
Composite veneers provide a far more affordable option and can start from as little as £200 per tooth however they are more prone to picking up stains and do not last as long as porcelain veneers.
Composite veneers on average will last between 2-5 years without requiring replacement however porcelain veneers will last around 5-8 years so this must be taken in to account when deciding between both options.