Fluoride in Water: A New Legal Ruling Sparks Change
At Living Wellness Dental, we are excited to share some important and encouraging news that aligns with our commitment to your overall well-being. Recently, a U.S. federal court made a significant ruling regarding the potential health risks of fluoride in public water supplies. This decision acknowledges the growing concerns that fluoride’s impact reaches far beyond dental health, shedding light on the broader health effects it may have, especially for vulnerable populations like children.
Why This Court Decision Matters to Your Overall Health
As your dedicated dental care team, we have always focused on caring for more than just your teeth—we care about you as a whole person. That’s why this ruling is so meaningful to us. It’s not just about teeth anymore. It’s about understanding how substances like fluoride can affect your entire body. This court decision is a major step forward in encouraging public health conversations that look beyond dental benefits and take the entire person into account.
Topical vs. Ingested Fluoride: Understanding the Difference
For years, fluoride has been added to public water with the intention of reducing tooth decay, a well-meaning initiative for oral health, although poorly designed. We have always asserted that, if fluoride is to be used at all, it should only be used topically and certainly not ingested. Over time, and perhaps not so surprisingly, research has shown that fluoride exposure, particularly in any amount, even minimally, poses a risk to other aspects of health, such as brain development in children. This case, led by the Fluoride Action Network (FAN), presented these concerns to the court, and impartially, after weighing the evidence, the judge ruled the risks are significant enough to not be ignored.
Fluoride Impacts More Than Just Teeth
As a practice that believes in a whole-body approach to health and dental care, we’ve long been aware that what goes into our bodies can affect far more than just one system. We are also dedicated to providing empowered dental care, which involves providing information and options to ensure that each and every client feels sufficiently informed and valued. Even if fluoride may have benefits for dental health, it’s important to ask: What else is it doing? This ruling acknowledges that question and encourages further exploration and transparency. We believe that your health and the health of your family deserve this level of attention and care.
What This Ruling Means for Public Health Discussions
This court ruling doesn’t change current policies just yet, but it does signal a shift. We’re hopeful that this opens the door for more thoughtful discussions about public health interventions and the importance of fully understanding the substances we’re exposed to, especially through something as essential as water. At the heart of this case is a desire to protect health—particularly the health of children—and to make sure that any decisions made for public health take all aspects of well-being into account.
Hydroxyapatite: A Natural Alternative for Tooth Strengthening
In our pursuit of holistic approaches to dental health, it’s essential to recognize that there are natural alternatives available to help protect and strengthen our teeth. One effective alternative is hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that is biocompatible with the body and forms a significant part of our teeth and bone structure. As Dr. Robertson explains in this video on remineralization, hydroxyapatite offers a gentle, effective solution for reinforcing tooth enamel, supporting its remineralization without relying on fluoride.
Hydroxyapatite works by filling in microscopic cracks in the enamel, binding directly to the teeth’s surface, and creating a protective barrier against acids and harmful bacteria. It’s particularly valuable for those who seek a biological approach to dental health, offering benefits that align with the body’s natural processes and minimize the need for synthetic ingredients.
Empowered Dental Care: Your Right to Informed Choices
At Living Wellness Dental, we strive to empower you with knowledge, so you can make informed choices for yourself and your loved ones. We’ll continue to keep a close eye on this issue and share updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we’re here to answer any questions you may have about fluoride and your overall health. Our priority is—and always will be—your complete well-being.
We’re grateful for this step toward more holistic health discussions and hopeful that it will lead to even more awareness and research. Together, we can continue working toward a healthier future for you and your family.
Stay well,
The Living Wellness Dental Team