Fluoridation conspiracy

This is a great controversy for a chemist like me. The controversies swarming around fluoridation persisted for many decades after it was introduced in 1945. Some of the conspiracy theories concerning this idea are downright ludicrous.

Before I get into the conspiracy theories, I will discuss the fluoridation process and how effective it is.
Fluoridation is the process of adding a fluorine-containing chemical (Sodium Fluoride, Fluorosilicic acid, Sodium fluorosilicate) to the water supply in small quantities to prevent tooth decay. These chemicals work by interfering with the demineralization of teeth enamel, which is the result of tooth decay. Food left on the teeth becomes infected with bacteria that produce acids. These acids actually attack the main chemical in tooth enamel, carbonated hydroxyapatite, in a process called demineralization. Fluoridation is able to reverse this destructive process by producing a fluropatite-like compound, essentially a veneer over the teeth to ward off further decay. It's sort of like a chemical barrier.

Tooth decay, especially amongst children, is a leading cause of cavities that lead to poor health and even early onset of diseases, including poor eating habits, speaking difficulties, facial appearance and acceptance. This is especially true in underdeveloped countries.

How effective is this idea? That's where there is some disagreement. One study determined that the mean decrease in the number of children with cavities is 14.6%. Others show s 40% decrease in cavities for children. Subsequent studies show a 27% decrease in adult cavities. This data is for the United States. European countries have found similar decreases in tooth decay and cavities. Most studies agree that fluoridation has provided benefit to poor children who don't regularly receive dental care.

The risks of fluoridation are minimal and it definitely is cost effective. The average yearly cost per person is $1.02. The estimate is that fluoridation costs an estimated $16-$24 per saved tooth-decay surface (According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This is a real savings, especially in developing countries.

There is no evidence to link fluoridation to cancer, bone fractures or psychological problems. Fluoride can naturally occur in water, and sometimes it's above the recommended maximum limit of 1.5 mg/L - milligrams per liter. This limit is based on the fact that fluorides in water can cause dental fluorosis. This is an aesthetic problem that manifests as opaque, white areas (specks) on tooth enamel. The current recommended level for fluoridation is 0.7 mg/L.

The conspiracy theories about fluoridation came from environmentalists, consumer groups, Christian Scientists, chiropractors, libertarians, John Birch Society, and Green Parties. These groups complain about everything. They believe that governments are out to get us by frying our brains on fluorides. We don't need them to do that. We do it with alcohol, meth, and weed.

Some dental groups objected to it, but I can understand that. It takes business away from them.

Chiropractors believe that they can cure everything by manipulating your spinal column. I remember years ago that they claimed that Polio was caused by bad blood, not a virus. That's stupid!

The main reason that conspiracy theories arose from fluoridation is because it involves the perpetual struggle of the common good vs. individual rights. That's why the usual politicized groups don't like it. Many people are ignorant about science and mistrust anything that involves chemicals. Theorists think that it's the government's plan to make all of us into mental zombies so that we would be submissive to those in power.

I remember the movie 'Dr. Strangelove' in which a crazy Army general said that fluorides 'sap and impurify all of our precious bodily fluids'. Many people associated fluoridation to a Communist plot. This same crazy idea was circulated about the polio vaccine. These fringe groups said it would cause AIDS, Alzheimer's, arthritis, cancer and just about every disease or aliment known to man. These ideas are nuts!

So, could fluoridation do anything bad to us? The answer is no because a verifiable study has shown that it has no deleterious effect on humans. The amount is too small and most of it gets excreted. Remember that fluorides used in fluoridation are soluble in water. Most chemicals that are soluble get excreted. Fluorides are in the environment. It's not a toxic chemical in the amounts that are typically used. Besides, some toothpaste brands have fluorides in them. People don't seem to be concerned about them. I suppose it comes down to the fact that it's not a personal choice. I can appreciate that. I don't like a government deciding that my water has to have chemicals in it, but if it helps, I'm all for it. Remember that all salt has been iodized to prevent goiters, and most water is chlorinated to kill bacteria. Those practices resulted in similar conspiracy theories.

Thanks for reading.