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> Fluoride is a perfect example: too little and your bones are weak As far as I know there is zero biological requirement for fluoride. Fluoride can help mask
by a8da6b0c91d 12y ago
> Fluoride is a perfect example: too little and your bones are weak
As far as I know there is zero biological requirement for fluoride. Fluoride can help mask systemic problems like mineral deficiency that lead to tooth decay, but nobody has ever had a cavity due to fluoride deficiency.
- JoeAltmaier 12y agoSame argument for shoes? Nobody ever hurt their foot because of shoe deficiency; it was the thorn that did it. I think its disingenuous to ignore the obvious benefits of hardening enamel, regardless of other health issues in our population.
- a8da6b0c91d 12y agoShoes don't present a risk to health and intelligence. And shoes aren't a band aid for a serious underlying health problem. Tooth decay is not a natural consequence of sugar consumption or a lack of fluoride. Ever hear the expression "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth?" It alludes to the fact that tooth decay is a clear sign of serious deficiencies. That fluoride substitution reactions can mask the symptom is interesting but probably not a great public health approach.
- JoeAltmaier 12y agoTo be pedantic, you can argue that shoes do all that. Soft weak feet and vitamin D deficiency are issues exacerbated by shoes. Many shoes are designed solely as band aids for foot problems. And helping teeth stay healthy in the presence of deficiencies is NOT a public health problem; no doctor is looking at your teeth like he looks at a horse, to diagnose your health. Yet tooth problems lead to diet problems lead to more health problems. Fluoride is easily arguably a public health benefit, because it Mitigates symptoms of other issues.