New Research on Fluoride

[Virgil Showlion]

Excerpted from an interesting article on new research into fluoridated water:

You might think, then, that fluoridated water’s efficacy as a cavity preventer would be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. But new research suggests that assumption is dramatically misguided; while using fluoridated toothpaste has been proven to be good for oral health, consuming fluoridated water may have no positive impact.

The Cochrane Collaboration, a group of doctors and researchers known for their comprehensive reviews—which are widely regarded as the gold standard of scientific rigor in assessing effectiveness of public health policies—recently set out to find out if fluoridation reduces cavities. They reviewed every study done on fluoridation that they could find, and then winnowed down the collection to only the most comprehensive, well-designed and reliable papers. Then they analyzed these studies’ results, and published their conclusion in a review earlier this month.

The review identified only three studies since 1975—of sufficient quality to be included—that addressed the effectiveness of fluoridation on tooth decay in the population at large. These papers determined that fluoridation does not reduce cavities to a statistically significant degree in permanent teeth, says study co-author Anne-Marie Glenny, a health science researcher at Manchester University in the United Kingdom. The authors found only seven other studies worthy of inclusion dating prior to 1975.

The authors also found only two studies since 1975 that looked at the effectiveness of reducing cavities in baby teeth, and found fluoridation to have no statistically significant impact here, either.

...

“Frankly, this is pretty shocking,” says Thomas Zoeller, a scientist at UMass-Amherst uninvolved in the work. “This study does not support the use of fluoride in drinking water.” Trevor Sheldon concurred. Sheldon is the dean of the Hull York Medical School in the United Kingdom who led the advisory board that conducted a systematic review of water fluoridation in 2000, that came to similar conclusions as the Cochrane review. The lack of good evidence of effectiveness has shocked him. “I had assumed because of everything I’d heard that water fluoridation reduces cavities but I was completely amazed by the lack of evidence,” he says. “My prior view was completely reversed.”

I can't quote it all, but the article goes on to list many of the upsetting new studies coming out that link fluoridated water to mental illness, thyroid dysfunction, ADHD, cancer, lower IQ, problems with the endocrine system, and more.

It debunks many of the common arguments used to support fluoridating water.

I finishes off with a fascinating history of why fluoride was first introduced, how it was (as still is) marketed to the public, and why so much erroneous groupthink has sprung up around it.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for a rebuttal by the pro-fluoride crowd, but for now these new studies are packing a wallop.

Caveat potator.

[Aman A.K.A. Ahamburger]

Good stuff, VtL.

Makes me really happy that I grew up drinking purified well water, and even happier that my kids drink water from a good quality water filtering system(not Brita).

[billisonboard]

Wow, a bunch of heavy stuff there.  Wish I hadn't drank so much fluoridated water growing up so I could understand it all.

But seriously, it is interesting the stuff about the problems it might be causing.

[ArchietheDragon]

Hopefully they come to a conclusion soon. 

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 6, 2016 16:42:36 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Wow, a bunch of heavy stuff there.  Wish I hadn't drank so much fluoridated water growing up so I could understand it all.

But seriously, it is interesting the stuff about the problems it might be causing.

I think it's to late for me but I have had filtered water from back in the late 70's when they first came out with home filters. I just drink Diet Pepsi's and a few other "beverages" so maybe I am safe for a while. But this study may explain why I am the way I am??

[Virgil Showlion]

Jan 6, 2016 17:14:36 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Jan 6, 2016 16:42:36 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Wow, a bunch of heavy stuff there.  Wish I hadn't drank so much fluoridated water growing up so I could understand it all.

But seriously, it is interesting the stuff about the problems it might be causing.

I think it's to late for me but I have had filtered water from back in the late 70's when they first came out with home filters. I just drink Diet Pepsi's and a few other "beverages" so maybe I am safe for a while. But this study may explain why I am the way I am??

No study could ever explain that.

[zibazinski]

Well, my children have perfect teeth. No cavaties at all. I haven't had any for over thirty years. It's hard to understand that something bad can come from something like that. Hopefully it's not true.

[resolution]

I grew up drinking it and still have a mouth full of crowns. However both my parents had lost most of their teeth by this point, so I guess I am ahead...

[billisonboard]

Jan 8, 2016 7:29:01 GMT -5 resolution said:

I grew up drinking it and still have a mouth full of crowns. However both my parents had lost most of their teeth by this point, so I guess I am ahead...

About 60% of the risk for tooth decay appears to be due to genetic factors, says Mary L. Marazita, director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. www.cnn.com/2014/07/03/health/tooth-decay-causes/

[Deleted]

Most likely, your dentist—along with countless government and public health officials—has praised and promoted the use of fluoride, both in toothpaste and drinking water, calling it a “necessary” part of your oral health regimen.

But let’s make this point clear: fluoride is not an essential nutrient needed for your health—dental or otherwise. There is not one single metabolic process in your body that requires fluoride. On the contrary, fluoride is a cumulative poison.
www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiLoJLBz6zKAhUW9WMKHTS4DZoQ0gIIMigCMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.mercola.com%2Fsites%2Farticles%2Farchive%2F2014%2F12%2F13%2Ffluoride-deception.aspx&usg=AFQjCNG1_LQMAS7iDsAEI7qyXFW2u4W3Bg&sig2=Fxa91Nbcv43b-sj6WGN0Fw

[dondub]

General Jack D. Ripper: Mandrake, do you realize that in addition to fluoridating water, why, there are studies underway to fluoridate salt, flour, fruit juices, soup, sugar, milk... ice cream. Ice cream, Mandrake, children's ice cream.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: [very nervous] Lord, Jack.
General Jack D. Ripper: You know when fluoridation first began?
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: I... no, no. I don't, Jack.
General Jack D. Ripper: Nineteen hundred and forty-six. 1946, Mandrake. How does that coincide with your post-war Commie conspiracy, huh? It's incredibly obvious, isn't it? A foreign substance is introduced into our precious bodily fluids without the knowledge of the individual. Certainly without any choice. That's the way your hard-core Commie works.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: Uh, Jack, Jack, listen... tell me, tell me, Jack. When did you first... become... well, develop this theory?
General Jack D. Ripper: [somewhat embarassed] Well, I, uh... I... I... first became aware of it, Mandrake, during the physical act of love.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: Hmm.
General Jack D. Ripper: Yes, a uh, a profound sense of fatigue... a feeling of emptiness followed. Luckily I... I was able to interpret these feelings correctly. Loss of essence.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: Hmm.
General Jack D. Ripper: I can assure you it has not recurred, Mandrake. Women uh... women sense my power and they seek the life essence. I, uh... I do not avoid women, Mandrake.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: No.
General Jack D. Ripper: But I... I do deny them my essence.

www.imdb.com/character/ch0003297/quotes

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 15, 2016 16:41:49 GMT -5 dondub said:

General Jack D. Ripper: Mandrake, do you realize that in addition to fluoridating water, why, there are studies underway to fluoridate salt, flour, fruit juices, soup, sugar, milk... ice cream. Ice cream, Mandrake, children's ice cream.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: [very nervous] Lord, Jack.
General Jack D. Ripper: You know when fluoridation first began?
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: I... no, no. I don't, Jack.
General Jack D. Ripper: Nineteen hundred and forty-six. 1946, Mandrake. How does that coincide with your post-war Commie conspiracy, huh? It's incredibly obvious, isn't it? A foreign substance is introduced into our precious bodily fluids without the knowledge of the individual. Certainly without any choice. That's the way your hard-core Commie works.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: Uh, Jack, Jack, listen... tell me, tell me, Jack. When did you first... become... well, develop this theory?
General Jack D. Ripper: [somewhat embarassed] Well, I, uh... I... I... first became aware of it, Mandrake, during the physical act of love.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: Hmm.
General Jack D. Ripper: Yes, a uh, a profound sense of fatigue... a feeling of emptiness followed. Luckily I... I was able to interpret these feelings correctly. Loss of essence.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: Hmm.
General Jack D. Ripper: I can assure you it has not recurred, Mandrake. Women uh... women sense my power and they seek the life essence. I, uh... I do not avoid women, Mandrake.
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: No.
General Jack D. Ripper: But I... I do deny them my essence.

www.imdb.com/character/ch0003297/quotes

Sorry, my brain saw Jack The Ripper    Nothing to add  Carry on.

[dondub]

You don't have a strangelove for Jack the Ripper do you?

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 15, 2016 16:50:07 GMT -5 dondub said:

You don't have a strangelove for Jack the Ripper do you?

   I'll never tell!!

[Virgil Showlion]

Jan 15, 2016 15:13:40 GMT -5 @jma23 said:

Most likely, your dentist—along with countless government and public health officials—has praised and promoted the use of fluoride, both in toothpaste and drinking water, calling it a “necessary” part of your oral health regimen.

But let’s make this point clear: fluoride is not an essential nutrient needed for your health—dental or otherwise. There is not one single metabolic process in your body that requires fluoride. On the contrary, fluoride is a cumulative poison.
www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiLoJLBz6zKAhUW9WMKHTS4DZoQ0gIIMigCMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.mercola.com%2Fsites%2Farticles%2Farchive%2F2014%2F12%2F13%2Ffluoride-deception.aspx&usg=AFQjCNG1_LQMAS7iDsAEI7qyXFW2u4W3Bg&sig2=Fxa91Nbcv43b-sj6WGN0Fw

I don't mind it in toothpaste because I can just buy non-fluoridated toothpaste.

The drinking water I mind.

[NoNamePerson]

Jan 15, 2016 18:45:21 GMT -5 Virgil Showlion said:

Jan 15, 2016 15:13:40 GMT -5 @jma23 said:

Most likely, your dentist—along with countless government and public health officials—has praised and promoted the use of fluoride, both in toothpaste and drinking water, calling it a “necessary” part of your oral health regimen.

But let’s make this point clear: fluoride is not an essential nutrient needed for your health—dental or otherwise. There is not one single metabolic process in your body that requires fluoride. On the contrary, fluoride is a cumulative poison.
www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiLoJLBz6zKAhUW9WMKHTS4DZoQ0gIIMigCMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.mercola.com%2Fsites%2Farticles%2Farchive%2F2014%2F12%2F13%2Ffluoride-deception.aspx&usg=AFQjCNG1_LQMAS7iDsAEI7qyXFW2u4W3Bg&sig2=Fxa91Nbcv43b-sj6WGN0Fw

I don't mind it in toothpaste because I can just buy non-fluoridated toothpaste.

The drinking water I mind.

Drink vodka and you can cook with it also.  

[Deleted]

Jan 15, 2016 18:45:21 GMT -5 Virgil Showlion said:

Jan 15, 2016 15:13:40 GMT -5 @jma23 said:

Most likely, your dentist—along with countless government and public health officials—has praised and promoted the use of fluoride, both in toothpaste and drinking water, calling it a “necessary” part of your oral health regimen.

But let’s make this point clear: fluoride is not an essential nutrient needed for your health—dental or otherwise. There is not one single metabolic process in your body that requires fluoride. On the contrary, fluoride is a cumulative poison.
www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiLoJLBz6zKAhUW9WMKHTS4DZoQ0gIIMigCMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.mercola.com%2Fsites%2Farticles%2Farchive%2F2014%2F12%2F13%2Ffluoride-deception.aspx&usg=AFQjCNG1_LQMAS7iDsAEI7qyXFW2u4W3Bg&sig2=Fxa91Nbcv43b-sj6WGN0Fw

I don't mind it in toothpaste because I can just buy non-fluoridated toothpaste.

The drinking water I mind.

Even though I live about ten miles outside of the nearest town, there is one water line running to my area that I'm hooked up to. (The land I live on was a failed subdivision/cattle ranch)  The water comes from Norfolk lake which is a large Army Corp of Engineers impoundment for electric generation. There was a push to fluoridate the water a couple of years ago, and your thread has reminded me to look into what happened.  The result of the effort was never in the regional paper, just a report of the start of the initiative to do so.  I do have a distiller for drinking water if need be.

[verrip1]

Jan 15, 2016 15:13:40 GMT -5 @jma23 said:

Most likely, your dentist—along with countless government and public health officials—has praised and promoted the use of fluoride, both in toothpaste and drinking water, calling it a “necessary” part of your oral health regimen.

But let’s make this point clear: fluoride is not an essential nutrient needed for your health—dental or otherwise. There is not one single metabolic process in your body that requires fluoride. On the contrary, fluoride is a cumulative poison.
www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiLoJLBz6zKAhUW9WMKHTS4DZoQ0gIIMigCMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.mercola.com%2Fsites%2Farticles%2Farchive%2F2014%2F12%2F13%2Ffluoride-deception.aspx&usg=AFQjCNG1_LQMAS7iDsAEI7qyXFW2u4W3Bg&sig2=Fxa91Nbcv43b-sj6WGN0Fw

Fluoride fearmongering includes defined quackery such as Dr. Mercola's article in the above link.  Dr. Mercola's numerous unfounded claims were debunked by, among others, Dr. Stephen Barrett, whose work can be found at this link to Quackwatch.com's article, "FDA Orders Dr. Joseph Mercola To Stop Illegal Claims":

www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/mercola.html

But, I suppose folks who want to can get their medical advise from faith healers with their exhaustive lists of untraceable anecdotes, rather than the medical community who brought us pestilences such as antibiotics (they're all POISONS!!!!!!) and vaccines (what about the children?!?!?!?!?!?).

[fishy999]

People love getting medical advice from TV commercials- probably why we are the only country with cash that allow them do so

[Deleted]

Jan 18, 2016 19:04:04 GMT -5 verrip1 said:

Jan 15, 2016 15:13:40 GMT -5 @jma23 said:

Most likely, your dentist—along with countless government and public health officials—has praised and promoted the use of fluoride, both in toothpaste and drinking water, calling it a “necessary” part of your oral health regimen.

But let’s make this point clear: fluoride is not an essential nutrient needed for your health—dental or otherwise. There is not one single metabolic process in your body that requires fluoride. On the contrary, fluoride is a cumulative poison.
www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiLoJLBz6zKAhUW9WMKHTS4DZoQ0gIIMigCMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.mercola.com%2Fsites%2Farticles%2Farchive%2F2014%2F12%2F13%2Ffluoride-deception.aspx&usg=AFQjCNG1_LQMAS7iDsAEI7qyXFW2u4W3Bg&sig2=Fxa91Nbcv43b-sj6WGN0Fw

Fluoride fearmongering includes defined quackery such as Dr. Mercola's article in the above link.  Dr. Mercola's numerous unfounded claims were debunked by, among others, Dr. Stephen Barrett, whose work can be found at this link to Quackwatch.com's article, "FDA Orders Dr. Joseph Mercola To Stop Illegal Claims":

www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/mercola.html

But, I suppose folks who want to can get their medical advise from faith healers with their exhaustive lists of untraceable anecdotes, rather than the medical community who brought us pestilences such as antibiotics (they're all POISONS!!!!!!) and vaccines (what about the children?!?!?!?!?!?).

I'm all about untraceable anecdotes when it gets me what I want. (no fluoride) I'm not an automatic follower of anyone. (the medical community this time)

[Deleted]

Jan 19, 2016 3:25:58 GMT -5 fishy999 said:

People love getting medical advice from TV commercials- probably why we are the only country with cash that allow them do so

There's a lot of advice from commercials on the TV.  Caveat Emptor.

[Deleted]

Jan 19, 2016 15:09:20 GMT -5 @anne81 said:

Hmm.  I feel like one of my cherished beliefs is about to shot down.

I'm 60 this year and have all my teeth with no special care aside from brushing and flossing daily.  I've never drank fluoridated water my whole life (well maybe the last year if it's been added, still checking) and only had one root canal and crown put in.  I blame the cheap gas station cappachino  (sic) for that tooth decay.  My dentist said to rinse out a couple of times with warm water after drinking it, and it seems to be working.