Fluoride myths

But despite the clear oral health benefits, ‘antifluoride’ groups serving as a noisy minority have been successful in having fluoride removed from water supplies in some areas of Queensland and are also targeting Western Australia, spruiking unfounded claims that fluoride causes a range of health issues and lowers IQ. These groups have targeted local councils after the state governments handed over the responsibility to them for what is clearly a national issue, an error of judgement that the Australian Dental Association has repeatedly criticised.

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has now released the findings of a study conducted by  a research group engaged from the University of Sydney, which yet again reinforces the positive impacts of fluoride water supplies, and the resulting decline in decay for children’s permanent and baby teeth. Further, it comprehensively debunks the myths surrounding links between fluoride and health issues or lower IQ.

ADA President, Dr Rick Olive said, “it’s unacceptable that local councils are giving into the pressure of a small number of fanatics and are completely ignoring evidence and the recommendations from organisations like the ADA, the World Health Organisation, and the Australian Medical Association on this vitally important issue.”

The government of Western Australia, Department of Health has also released the findings of an independent study, Dental Health Outcomes of Children Residing in Fluoridated and Non Fluoridated Areas of Western Australia, which reaffirms many of the findings of the NHMRC.

The ADA recommends fluoride be added to water supplies across the nation without the exception as a critically-important step in protecting the oral health of all Australians.

Source: Australian Dental Association News Bulletin