Answers needed to the fluoride conundrum

• Otago Daily Times
• 28 Jun 2018

LAST week, there were two letters to the editor responding to the suggestion that ‘‘fluoride be added to the entire water supply to kill bacteria’’ (ODT, 8.6.18).

Chlorine is added to water to kill bacteria. Fluoride is added to water to supposedly strengthen children’s teeth.

The following questions need to be answered:

1. Many countries (Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, Holland etc) have ceased fluoridating water supplies. Why?

2. Many overseas universities have discounted the socalled ‘‘health’’ effects of adding fluoride to water supplies. Why do the many universitytrained orthodontists and medical professionals disagree with the efficacy of the addition of fluoride to town/country water supplies?

3. Where is the evidence showing ‘‘fluoride is good for the health of children and the elderly’’?

I understand that calcium is the antidote to fluoride and the corrosive effect of fluoride can cause osteoporosis (bone) and soft tissue complications (liver and kidneys) in the elderly.

Fluoride may be beneficial to children’s teeth when applied to the teeth by a professional orthodontist, but there is no health benefit associated with ingesting fluoride and fluorosis (yellow spotting of the teeth) is problematic with children

Water is the staff of life. But a water cocktail of poisons (including fluoride) will aid sickness and death.

Kathleen Moore Ret. Reg. Psych, Alexandra