Common Fluoridation Myths Answered
Many myths and false claims have been introduced into the fluoride conversation. This page lays to rest some of the more serious claims that a properly fluoridated water source is damaging, toxic or otherwise unhealthy.
"Natural" vs "Artificial" Fluoride
Fluoride is Fluoride. The argument is frequently put forth by fluoridation opponents that the fluoride added through water fluoridation is not the same as “naturally occurring fluoride”. This is false.
Fluoride is not Medicine
Fluorine is the 13th most common element in the earth’s crust. Fluoride is a negatively charged atom (ion) of fluorine. This ion has always existed in water. Fluoridation is simply a process that raises the level of this fluoride up to that concentration where maximum dental disease prevention will occur, with no adverse effects on anyone.
Childsmile not an Adequate Solution
In addition to community water fluoridation, there are multiple public health measures which can improve oral health.
Source of Fluoridation Substances
There are no “waste by-products” involved in water fluoridation. The substance most widely utilized to fluoridate water systems is hydrofluorosilic acid (HFA).
No "Waste" Involved in Fluoridation
One of the most important points is the fact that the fluoride destined for water treatement is an inconsequential portion of the mined fluoride
The Truth about Infant Formula
The proper amount of fluoride from infancy through old age helps prevent and control tooth decay. is a widely accepted practice for preventing and controlling tooth decay by adjusting the concentration of fluoride in the public water supply.
Truth about Harvard IQ Study
The “reduced IQ studies” are a reference to a 2011 review of 27 Chinese studies dug out of obscure Chinese journals by researchers Phillippe Grandjean and Anna Choi. These studies were of the effects of high levels of fluoride (as high as 11.5 ppm) in the well-water of various Chinese, Mongolian, and Iranian villages.
"Dose" of Fluoride from Fluoridated Water
Simply put, water is fluoridated at 0.7 mg/liter (ppm=mg/liter). Thus, for every liter of fluoridated water consumed, the “dose” of fluoride intake is 0.7 mg.
Trendley Dean Response To Antis
Advertisements claiming that H. Trendley Dean was forced to admit his claims for fluoridation were fallacious have been appearing in some newspapers through out the country. They are published over the name of L. S. Stevens, chairman of the Ohio Pure Water Association.
Calgary Study on Cessation
Having two very similar Canadian cities one having ceased fluoridation, one having not, presented a unique opportunity to assess the impact of cessation, against a control group which accounted for the various factors which normally inhibit such studies.
Fluoride is an Essential Nutrient
Dr. Connett states that fluoride is not an essential nutrient. He does not acknowledge that fluoride has been found to be an essential nutrient by many scientific groups and systematic reviews.
Topical / Systemic Action of Fluoride
While the predominant effect is topical after eruption, that effect is from low levels of fluoride that is secreted by the saliva continuously all day long, in addition to toothpaste and fluoride rinses. The word Predominant is not synonymous with the word ONLY.
Hypothyroid Claims
This “study” has been widely criticized by credible, scientific experts around the world. The authors of this study, Peckham et al, handpicked areas of the UK for inclusion in their study.
IQ Reductions Claim
The “reduced IQ studies” are a reference to a 2011 review of 27 Chinese studies dug out of obscure Chinese journals by researchers Phillippe Grandjean and Anna Choi. These studies were of the effects of high levels of fluoride (as high as 11.5 ppm) in the well-water of various Chinese, Mongolian, and Iranian villages.
Supporting Organizations
Over 100 credible scientific and consumer groups support Community Water Fluoridation.
Misrepresentation of WHO Data
This misuse of the data by Dr. Connett is slanted to show his opinion that fluoridated water is unnecessary.
"More Toxic than Lead, Slightly Less than Arsenic"
The claim that “fluoride is more toxic than lead and just slightly less toxic than arsenic” is frequently put forth by antifluoridationists as an argument against water fluoridation. This claim is based upon toxicity ratings of industrial commercial products, large quantities to which humans may be exposed at given times.
Should Fluoridation Be Publicly Debated?
While in general it is always a good idea to provide information to the public on the safety and benefits of fluoridation, this should not be done in a debate forum as the outcome of a debate depends less on the scientific facts and more on the charisma and debating skills of the debater.
Irrelevance of Where Fluoridation Substances are Produced
One of the frequent fear tactics of fluoridation opponents is to put forth claims about fluoridation substances sourced from China, with groundless claims and implications that these substances are of poor quality and rife with contaminants.
Debunking Anti Documents and Videos
Have you watched a video recently that claims serious concerns about fluoridation of our water sources? These videos and other long documents are debunked here.
Debunking Anti Articles and Letters to the Editor
We take a closer look at some of the anti-fluoridation articles and letters to the editor in popular newspapers on this page.
Found another anti-publication?
We’d love to see it so we can properly debunk it and add it to this collection!