Dropping the ‘F Bomb’ …Again

by Catherine Wilson

Fluoridation is useless for low-income children, US federal data shows. Now please keep in mind the source, the New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation (NYSCOF) Inc. Having said that, Center for Disease Control (CDC) 2011/2012 statistics reveal that low income children’s tooth decay rates are increasing substantially despite record numbers of children served fluoride from water, foods, dental products and medicines causing an overall ‘alarming’ surge in fluoride overdose symptoms like dental fluorosis (discolored teeth) reports the NYSCOF.

Decay rates for children living 100% below the federal poverty line are 40% in three to-five-year-olds; 69% in six to nine-year-olds; and 74% in 13 to 15-year-olds, based on federal data being presented at an American Public Health Association meeting in November of this year. Previous cavity rates (1988-1994) for similar childrens’ primary teeth were much lower – 30% of two to five-year-olds; 42% of six to 12-year-olds; and 34% of 15 to 18-year-olds’ permanent teeth.

“Claims that poor children need fluoride are without merit or evidence,” says attorney Paul Beeber, NYSCOF President. “It’s the dental care delivery system that needs fixing. Low-income Americans need dental care, not fluoride.”

In fact, dental expenses were a leading contributor to medical debt in 2012.

Along with low-income children’s rampant cavities, all children’s dental fluorosis rates surged, according to CDC’s 2011-2012 NHANES survey. Fifty-eight percent of all children (6-19 year olds) now have fluorosis, with a staggering 21% of children displaying moderate fluorosis on at least two teeth.

“Fluorosis is the outward sign of fluoride toxicity,” says Beeber.

Dr. Hardy Limeback, PhD, and Canadian fluoride expert says fluorosis is permanent scarring of the teeth, just like acne can permanently scar facial skin.

“By focusing on fluoridation and more modes of fluoride administration instead of diet and dentist-access, organized dentistry allowed a national dental health crisis to occur on its watch and created a new one – dental fluorosis,” says dentist David Kennedy, past-president of IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology). “It’s reckless to allow organized dentistry to vouch for fluoride safety. Adverse health effects, outside of the oral cavity from ingested fluoride, are not within the purview of dentistry, according to the California Board of Dental Examiners.”

Research shows fluoride ingestion is more likely to cause fluorosis than prevent a cavity, according to Fluoride Action Network.

Tooth decay crises are occurring in all fluoridated cities, states and countries.

Sugar is the main culprit in tooth decay but “Even the low level of sugar consumption was related to dental caries, despite the use of fluoride,” report researchers in the Journal of Dental Research.

The American Dental Association (ADA) is often the go-to union which legislators and the media consider experts. Most professional unions based their endorsements on their trust of the ADA. But now, studies appear at odds with years of public statements by dental groups assuring the public that fluoridation safety has been extensively researched.

Even the ADA admits in its Fluoridation Facts Booklet, that “decreased fluoride removal may occur among persons with severely impaired kidney function who may not be on kidney dialysis.”

Even nationally known figures have waded into the discussion, such as environmental activist Erin Brockovich, who called for Fluoridegate scandal investigations.

Best-selling author and nationally known physician Dr. Mark Hyman issued this statement: “I support federal investigative hearings looking into why our cities and towns are allowed to continue to add fluoride to public water sources and why the whole story about fluorides is only now coming out.”

Undoubtedly, the fluoride fight will rage on, ‘experts’ will pontificate and users of social media will manipulate data. You will continue to be your patients’ most trusted source of information so arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can. Be open-minded and courageous and always advocate for your patients.

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