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But why fluoridate? Why add fluoride to the water supply? Even IF it helps prevent tooth decay and even IF we knew there were no harmful side effects, how is th
by bobthechef 8y ago
But why fluoridate? Why add fluoride to the water supply? Even IF it helps prevent tooth decay and even IF we knew there were no harmful side effects, how is that a reason? Why not add something to make hair shinier? Or your breath smell fresh? Or something for heart disease? It's such an arbitrary thing to add to water. Besides, with fluoride in toothpaste, what's the point?
I would prefer that nothing were added to tap water. Leave it alone.
- erikerikson 8y agoThe savings of public funds (e.g. avoided emergency room visits resulting from cavity) due to cavities dwarf the private savings.
- seandougall 8y agoDental health is not just cosmetic; it affects multiple areas of physical health. If there were a safe way to add something that would prevent heart disease, it would absolutely be in the public interest. Your other examples are strawmen. You can certainly argue (as this paper’s conclusion does) that more research is needed on other potential effects of fluoridation, but it isn’t arbitrary.
- teaspoons 8y agoand fluoridation doesn't affect dental health because you're drinking the water which means the fluoride doesn't get to the teeth but is absorbed elsewhere in the body. If you want fluoride you can get it through toothpaste. It should be a choice.