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You’re begging the question. If fluoridation decreases IQ through developmental neurotoxicity, is the lost cognitive capacity in the general population justifie
by Empact 1y ago
You’re begging the question. If fluoridation decreases IQ through developmental neurotoxicity, is the lost cognitive capacity in the general population justified by the protection of children with irresponsible parents (who do not enforce eg the brushing of teeth) from the consequences of caries? This is a real moral problem we ought to contend with.
I believe society suffers from lower IQs, and that targeted interventions against childhood caries can be applied effectively without dosing the whole population. Why don’t schools teach toothbrushing? Why not have the school nurse check children’s teeth, or have a dentist come to school periodically?
- gs17 1y ago> Why don’t schools teach toothbrushing? And/or have the school nurse check children’s teeth? Some schools used to have a fluoride rinse students would be forced to do. It looks like it still happens in some rural places.
- creaturemachine 1y agoOh the dreaded swish. I grew up in such a place.
- themaninthedark 1y agoI had the swish at school, it was opt-in, not forced IIRC. Edit add: I wonder if the swish is better overall as the fluid is spit out after rather than continuous ingestion?
- s1artibartfast 1y agoI had fluoride treatment at the dentist instead city application. It was pleasant tasting and took minutes. You don't swallow it so is local only. Anecdotal, but I am 40 and have never had a cavity. rarely floss and brush <2 times per day.
- roguecoder 1y agoIt is less effective because it is spit out rather than ingested: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shou-Hua-Li/publication/19680021_Evaluation_of_the_comparative_effectiveness_of_fluoride_mouthrinsing_fluoride_tablets_and_both_procedures_in_combination_interim_findings_after_two_years/links/53f50dde0cf2888a74916c86/Evaluation-of-the-comparative-effectiveness-of-fluoride-mouthrinsing-fluoride-tablets-and-both-procedures-in-combination-interim-findings-after-two-years.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shou-Hua-Li/publication... The most effective treatment was combining fluoride mouth wash and fluoride tablets.
- malcolmgreaves 1y agoIt doesn’t lower IQ. You need to read the actual linked article. Stop spreading lies.
- roguecoder 1y agoThe point of this article is that the evidence of what you are saying is unconvincing. Even if it _were_ real science [Note: actual science engages with criticism and can withstand critique], the effect size being claimed is smaller than the margin of error on the tests. Being a programmer, I know plenty of miserable, incompetent and outright criminal people with high IQs: the idea that IQ alone is something to maximize is just weird eugenics. The impact of fluoride on actual social outcomes, measured by a double-blind study? That would be interesting. Maybe then we could talk about the ethics of inflicting life-long pain and suffering on children in favor of reducing their risk of unemployment by some small percentage. What is being put forward right now, though, offers chem trail levels of rigor: it isn't going to be convincing to anyone who doesn't really, REALLY want to believe.
- mrWiz 1y agoWe were taught toothbrushing in 1st grade, without follow ups or nurse checks.