Water fluoridation is considered by many, to be a pillar of public health. For several decades, fluoride has been added to water in efforts to prevent tooth decay. This in many areas, is accepted as fact, and to not fluoridate water would be an obstruction to public health. However, many are rethinking the safety and success of such measures. The town of Bennington is an example of such a place reconsidering their stance on fluoride in the water supply. Perhaps before any definite decisions are made regarding fluoride, we should investigate what pros and cons exist with water fluoridation.
Water fluoridation is sponsored by the United States (U.S.) Government as a means to increase the general welfare of the citizens of the United States. However National Government officials have devolved the power to decide on water fluoridation down to the State level. Some State Governments have, in turn, devolved this power further to the local level of Townships and cities.
The U.S Government sponsors water fluoridation due to the research that has found water fluoridation increases oral hygiene, thereby decreasing the likelihood of cavities and gingivitis and increasing the strength of one’s teeth. Water fluoridation would thus get kids from a young age on a healthy path away from tooth decay and towards proper dental hygiene.
However, after years of the water fluoridation policy being in place in most States around the country, recent research has shown some alarming negatives. For one fluoride has the capability of fluorosis or a staining of one’s teeth, and though these stains aren’t harmful to a person’s health, they are unsightly. Furthermore, water fluoridation could decrease the stomach’s ability to digest protein, causing stomach pains and indigestion.
The problem in t this recent research is that it is not totally conclusive, as these health issues could be attributed to a number of factors, not just water fluoridation. Thus it is left to the individual voter to decide what is important to them, conclusive research stating clear benefits, or inconclusive research showing possible negatives.