TIME - Leon Jaroff: Preserving Our Precious Fluids

TIME - Leon Jaroff: Preserving Our Precious Fluids:

"proposition, as printed on the ballot, contained 24 clauses, some based on questionable studies and each providing a reason for banning fluoridation. Not one was scientifically valid"

Obermann: Antifluoride is Fishy

Obermann: Antifluoride is Fishy:

"Fluoridated tap water poisoning infants? That contention in Dr. Roger Billica’s Soapbox smelled pretty fishy. I investigated and found the answer from my alma matter, the University of Iowa. It studied fluoride ingestion in infants 6 weeks to 9 months, including formula made with tap water. It found 75 percent got the recommended fluoride of 0.5mg to 0.7mg per kilogram. Twenty-five percent went over the recommended dietary fluoride maximum of 1.0mg per kilogram (most ate toothpaste.)

Here’s the tricky part: The maximum is the amount set to avoid mild dental fluorosis, a lacy, white pattern that forms on permanent teeth. Another professor of mine, Dr. Pinkham, edited Pediatric Dentistry. He says the front permanent teeth don’t begin to calcify until a child is 15 months old. Children aren’t drinking formula at 15 months, so it turns out no infants are getting fluorosis from tap water! And remember, the maximum was set to prevent dental fluorosis in children. Children get no health problems even if they exceed the maximum recommended amount (eating toothpaste).

Either the antifluoride folks got very confused or someone is trying to pull the wool over our eyes. I have practiced for more than 20 years, and I have yet to see one child poisoned by fluoridated tap water. Fluoridated water prevents cavities. Fluoridated water doesn’t cause any health effects, even in infants. This isn’t rocket science. Vote no on issue No. 2.

Kent Obermann, DDS
University of Iowa, Class of 1982"

Healthy Smiles: Arguments Favoring Fluoridation

Healthy Smiles: Arguments Favoring Fluoridation:

"Resident Ellen Steiner did some quick calculations based on the findings of the Fort Collins Fluoride Technical Study Group. She learned that losing fluoridation could cost everyone over $7 million ‹ a year!"

Healthy Smiles: What are the Facts about Fluoridation?

Healthy Smiles: What are the Facts about Fluoridation?:

"If fluoridation is discontinued, its benefits can be lost, and there will be an increase in the number of cavities here. Antigo, Wisconsin, began fluoridation in 1949 and ceased it in 1960. Five years later, after up to a doubling of tooth decay in some elementary school children, it was reinstituted."

Healthy Smiles for Generations in Fort Collins!

Healthy Smiles for Generations in Fort Collins!:

"“Just fifty cents per person per year covers the cost of fluoridation in an average community. [75 cents in Fort Collins in 2003] Over a lifetime, that is the approximate price of one dental filling, making fluoridation very cost effective.”

— American Dental Association (1998)"