A reader lately requested me…

“If Europe doesn’t fluoridate its water, why do they nonetheless have decrease cavity charges than the U.S.?”

It’s a wise query—and the reply simply turned nationwide information.

As a result of as of September 2024, a U.S. federal courtroom has formally dominated that the fluoridation chemical substances added to public water provides pose an unreasonable threat to human well being, significantly to the growing brains of youngsters.

The Ruling That Modified All the things
In a landmark determination, Decide Edward Chen of the U.S. District Court docket (Northern District of California) dominated in Meals & Water Watch et al. v. EPA that water fluoridation violates the Poisonous Substances Management Act (TSCA) because of the scientifically established threat of neurodevelopmental hurt.

That is the primary time in U.S. historical past {that a} federal courtroom has dominated that including fluoride to public water provides isn’t just ineffective—however unsafe underneath federal chemical security regulation.

“The Court docket concludes that plaintiffs have carried their burden and confirmed by a preponderance of the proof that fluoridation presents an unreasonable threat of neurodevelopmental hurt.”
—Decide Edward Chen

Supply: Fluoride Alert

The plaintiffs, supported by over 100 peer-reviewed research, efficiently argued that fluoride publicity—particularly throughout being pregnant—can impair cognitive improvement in kids.

One key examine cited in the course of the trial was a 2019 NIH-funded paper printed in JAMA Pediatrics, which discovered that increased maternal fluoride publicity was linked to decrease IQ scores in boys.

Supply: Inexperienced et al., 2019 – JAMA Pediatrics

Cochrane Overview: Minimal Profit, Severe Threat
Essentially the most complete overview of fluoridation to this point—printed by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2015—discovered that fashionable proof supporting fluoride in ingesting water is weak at greatest:

• Out of 155 research, solely 3 met fashionable scientific requirements.
• The common profit? Simply 0.3 fewer decayed tooth per youngster in fluoridated areas.
• In the meantime, the danger of dental fluorosis was constantly elevated throughout populations.

Supply: Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Critiques 2024

We’re swallowing a neurotoxin for 0.3 fewer cavities. That’s not science-based coverage!

The Vital Distinction: Topical vs. Systemic
Right here’s a distinction that’s typically ignored within the fluoride debate…

• Topical fluoride (like toothpaste) works on the tooth floor.
• Systemic fluoride (like ingesting water) is ingested, absorbed into the bloodstream, and distributed all through the physique—together with the mind.

Virtually all cavity-fighting advantages come from topical use.

Virtually all dangers come from ingestion.

Fluoride Labeled as a Neurotoxin

In 2014, The Lancet Neurology printed a overview by Harvard toxicologist Philippe Grandjean and Dr. Philip Landrigan figuring out fluoride as a doable developmental neurotoxicant, primarily based on rising proof linking excessive fluoride publicity to diminished IQ in kids.

The paper referred to as for the precautionary precept to information public coverage—arguing that we must always not look ahead to definitive proof earlier than defending susceptible populations from threat.

Supply: Neurobehavioural results of developmental toxicity
“However It Prevents Cavities!” ← Does It Actually?
Right here’s the reality: Tooth decay isn’t brought on by a fluoride deficiency.
It’s brought on by:

• Imbalanced oral microbiome
• Sugar, acids, and refined carbs
• Mouth respiration
• Low saliva circulation

None of these root causes are addressed by swallowing fluoride in your faucet water.

Most European nations don’t fluoridate their water, and but many have equal or decrease charges of tooth decay than the U.S.

Supply: Cheng et al., 2007 – BMJ
Supply: WHO International Oral Well being Standing Report, 2022

Their secret? Public well being techniques that emphasize schooling, hygiene, and focused fluoride use—not systemic publicity by way of ingesting water.

What to Do As an alternative
In order for you actual cavity prevention, right here’s the place to begin:

• Use nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste like Fygg, which remineralizes enamel with out the systemic toxicity of fluoride.
• Complement with minerals, particularly magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Vitamin D. Incorporate top quality sources of those minerals in your weight loss plan, however don’t depend on weight loss plan alone as a result of our meals system and soil high quality have been depleted. These are the dietary supplements I take myself.
• Filter your water with reverse osmosis—normal filters received’t take away fluoride. These are the water filters I take advantage of and advocate.
• Repair the foundation causes: cut back sugar, breathe by way of your nostril, prioritize sleep and saliva circulation.
• Assist your oral microbiome: Ditch the mouthwash and use a tongue scraper as an alternative! Your mouth is house to a fancy ecosystem of micro organism—some protecting, some harmful. Overusing antiseptic rinses, consuming ultra-processed meals, and mouth respiration can disrupt this steadiness, resulting in decay and gum illness. Deal with feeding your good micro organism with a low-sugar, whole-food weight loss plan and utilizing oral care merchandise that protect microbial range moderately than sterilizing it.

We’ve coated many of those matters in previous newsletters—however let me know if you happen to’d like me to dive deeper into any of them in future editions.

Last Ideas
If fluoride have been a brand new drug immediately—with this stage of threat and this little profit—it will by no means be permitted.

Let’s cease defending outdated insurance policies and begin shifting towards smarter, safer options.

Doing one thing for a very long time can point out expertise, nevertheless it doesn’t essentially equate to credibility.

Credibility comes from constantly reaching good outcomes, adapting to new data, and demonstrating experience.

Longevity alone can typically result in complacency or resistance to alter.

True credibility is constructed on a basis of data, talent, and a willingness to evolve when essential.

👉 Ahead this to your dentist, your physician, or your metropolis council rep. You don’t must debate—simply let the science (and the ruling) communicate for itself.

-Mark