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Let’s talk fluoride.
For over 70 years, fluoride has been added to public drinking water in the U.S. to prevent cavities. At first glance, this seems like a public health no-brainer: fewer trips to the dentist, less tooth decay, and better smiles for everyone.
But as time has gone on, questions about its effectiveness and safety have grown louder, and the answers are raising some serious concerns.
A recent long-term study from the NIH (Link Here) has revealed unsettling findings, including potential links between fluoride exposure and reduced IQ in children, impaired brain function, and disruptions to the endocrine system.
These aren’t minor risks. They’re the kind of revelations that make you wonder how this practice has lasted so long without more scrutiny.
Again—I'm not jumping to conclusions here, but why aren’t we asking more questions?
Even more troubling, fluoride’s cavity-fighting reputation may not be as bulletproof as we’ve been led to believe. Research has found little evidence that fluoridated water significantly reduces cavities. Yes, there are studies suggesting small declines in tooth decay, but these modest benefits seem dwarfed by the mounting risks.
And here’s a key fact: rates of tooth decay have been steadily falling across the developed world, regardless of whether a country adds fluoride to its water.
Despite these red flags, the majority of Americans—about 67%—still drink fluoridated water every day. Changing this isn’t easy, either. Efforts to revisit fluoride’s safety have faced stiff resistance, and it took nearly a decade of legal battles just to get the EPA to consider reexamining its risks.
It’s a frustratingly familiar story: a chemical introduced with good intentions turns out to have unintended consequences, but inertia and bureaucracy make meaningful reform almost impossible.
This isn’t just about fluoride; it’s a recurring theme in public health. We’ve seen it with trans fats, PFAS, glyphosate, and countless other chemicals that were introduced before their long-term impacts were fully understood.
The result? A public health system that often seems more reactive than proactive, leaving individuals to fend for themselves.
So, where does that leave us? While systemic change is sorely needed, there are immediate actions you can take to minimize exposure. Consider filtering your water to remove unwanted contaminants. Think twice about the products you consume that rely on tap water.
And if you’re still using fluoride toothpaste, it might be time to explore alternative options.
Fluoride in drinking water may have started as a well-intentioned idea, but it’s clear that the risks and benefits need to be reassessed. As we head into the new year, let this serve as a reminder to question what we’re told and take ownership of our health where possible. Here’s to 2025—a year for smarter choices and healthier habits.
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