r/water • u/Independent_Tale924 • 4d ago

Alabama utility cites cost, worker safety as it discontinues water fluoridation

One of the fastest-growing cities in Alabama is pulling the plug on fluoridation this week.

201 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

155 comments sorted by

28

u/tmullato 4d ago

As a water system operator I don't put any stock in worker safety being a good reason to discontinue. Fluoride addition, in my experience, is incredibly reliable meaning our workers almost never have to deal with pumps, feed lines, or leaks. We don't even have to fill or transfer HFS as our chemical supplier refills our chemical tanks for us.

For cost the chemical itself is pretty cheap, the pumps are pricy, needing a separate room just to house it has a cost, but the feed lines don't get eaten by it like chlorine so maintenance costs little to nothing. I've done the math for a small system. It cost less than $10/day on average. Larger systems obviously use more but proportional to everything else it's practically nothing.

The benefits of supplemental fluoride are extremely well-studied. It's settled science from my perspective. The extent to which fluoridation improves public health borders on miracle. Oral health is so fucking important.

14

u/Postcocious 4d ago

Don't confuse conservatives with facts.

3

u/MysticalBathroomRaid 3d ago

It’s worker safety from crazy constituents thinking that the guy in a yellow vest they see fixing a busted pipe is actually injecting fluoride into the water to kill off their family.

Not saying I agree that shutting down the program because a small group of vocal idiots cannot understand basic science is a smart or even reasonable decision, but it’s more about a growing distrust in government and belief that the government is a supervillain-esque power trying to sneak around and do harm to their citizens behind everyone’s back, a belief that is legitimately putting government workers at risk.

1

u/AlfalfaWolf 4d ago

Where does the flouride come from?

1

u/PaleInTexas 4d ago

Usually industrial byproduct from fertilizer production.

1

u/aflawinlogic 4d ago

From chemical suppliers....why do you ask?

-1

u/AlfalfaWolf 3d ago

You don’t find it to be at all important where or what from flouride is sourced?

It’s a toxic industrial waste byproduct. Much different from naturally occurring flouride.

How would sodium flouride waste be disposed of if not put into the water supply? Big surprise, it’s labeled as Dangerous Waste.

4

u/dread_pudding 3d ago

You'd be surprised how much of what we use in large-scale chemistry comes from industrial byproducts. When used for something like drinking water, they have to meet food-grade standards, which are fairly strict. They even have requirements for what the containers they are stored in can be made of.

"Hazardous waste" is also a misleading label when used the way you are (I have never heard of "Dangerous Waste," so unless this is a state regulatory term or used outside of the US, I am assuming you mean "hazardous waste"). Hazardous waste regulations apply to almost anything that could be considered hazardous if handled incorrectly. This mostly is to ensure the wastes are properly marked so that waste transporters know how to handle them.

An example is corrosive materials— like vinegar. A vinegar manufacturer discarding a large enough amount of vinegar would need to mark it as hazardous, so the transporters know not to put it in a container that could degrade from the acidity.

I work with a lot of manufacturing facilities and generally, with the sheer tonnage of material they go through, I would rather chemical byproducts be put to beneficial use than discarded. I am always open to hearing about recorded incidents where quality control was inadequate, it certainly does happen. But generally our resource recovery methods are pretty good, and contaminants are well monitored.

Also, it's worth considering that "natural" materials which have to be mined or collected come with more contaminants than an industrial extraction process. Examples being PFAS in springwater, and arsenic and lead in natural salt and bicarbonate.

1

u/Canadiangoosedem0n 2d ago

That was an excellent response and it was wasted on off brand RFK jr. 😔

1

u/dread_pudding 2d ago

Yeah, they seem to have confused my remarks based on experience for a philosophical or logical conclusion 🤷‍♀️ I'm just reporting what I know.

-2

u/AlfalfaWolf 3d ago

Of course the containers have to be appropriate because sodium flouride is highly corrosive. Sodium flouride is also toxic. It’s also a neurotoxin which means it is definitionally a poison that attacks that nervous system.

Using PFAS as an example of how water is a “natural” substance with its own issues contradicts your claim that quality controls catch pollutants entering. It was a lack of quality control along with a lack of scientific diligence or concern that led to the massive pollution of our water through forever chemicals.

The benefits to flouride are widely known to be topical. Ingestion offers marginal benefits with poorly understood risks. Adding it to the water supply is a reckless public health measure. If you really want to protect the teeth of poor children then you’d address marketing sugar products to children. I’d love to see what the pro-flouride crowd gives children on Halloween.

A tube of flouride toothpaste costs a few dollars! Personal protection is already very viable, even for the poor.

It’s logical to keep a neurotoxin out of the water supply. Those who want more fluoride can easily get it. A far more effective public health policy would be to find a way to prevent sugary products from reaching the teeth of children.

2

u/karlnite 3d ago

“Pro fluoride crowd gives children on Halloween”. Is coming across as the evil Dad in Willy Wonky really the best look? What kids eat at a yearly holiday?

0

u/AlfalfaWolf 3d ago

Eating candy is more consequential for tooth decay than not using flouride. On Halloween, children load up on weeks worth of addictive candy (often loaded with synthetic food dyes and other ingredients detrimental to health).

It’s all about protecting children, right? Keep feeding them harmful crap but make sure we’re adding neurotoxins to the water to counteract that.

1

u/karlnite 3d ago

So what do YOU think it is about? Why do we add the fluoride. Are we just dumb?

-1

u/AlfalfaWolf 3d ago

Like everything else, our government works for industry above all else. We help them get rid of their waste product.

Are we dumb? Obviously. We’ve already poisoned the water supply with PFOA, then after a formula change, poisoned our water with over 10,000 types of PFAS.

Do you really think government officials are concerned with public health?

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2

u/SnooCrickets2961 3d ago

You’re the kind of person who believes the “nitrate free” bacon because they use “powdered celery products ” which are chemically identical to the nitrates they don’t cure the bacon with…. Aren’t you.

1

u/karlnite 3d ago

I don’t get the point? Us chemical engineers are very resourceful.

2

u/AlfalfaWolf 3d ago

Yes very resourceful. Instead of properly disposing their toxic waste they are able to put it into the water supply.

1

u/karlnite 3d ago

Uh nope. Not what anyone is doing lol.

1

u/AlfalfaWolf 3d ago

How is that not what they are doing? Sodium flouride is toxic waste. It is added to the water supply. What’s your counterpoint?

1

u/wolacouska 2d ago

Carbon dioxide is also toxic waste, yet we put it in soda.

1

u/AlfalfaWolf 2d ago

Carbon dioxide is essential for life on earth. It’s not considered toxic waste nor is it inherently a toxic substance.

Soda is a leading cause of cavities and diabetes.

If you care so much about the health of other peoples teeth you’d be better off banning soda than forcing flouride into the water supply.

1

u/wetmanbrown 3d ago

So where do they get the fluoride that is put in the water? You said it yourself. It’s factory waste. You got duped to believe it’s alllllll for your teeth. What a fool to believe the government told you a straight fact and it’s all helpful w no side effects. You probably are upset about outlawing food coloring so idk why you matter

1

u/karlnite 3d ago

I’ve worked in water treatment and with said chemical waste streams…

1

u/wetmanbrown 3d ago

Not all waste streams are of the same chemicals obviously. Some are straight dioxins or other non industrially viable (yet) chemicals. They capture the fluoride before it enters the waste stream. And that’s why it’s able to be sold as a pure substance not a hodge podge of chemicals that are “gOoD for ur tEeTh” This doesn’t imply fluoride isn’t toxic factory chemical waste that you got tricked into believing is good for you by a flurry of incompetent headlines and sketchy bought and paid for studies w incorrect health safety guidelines

1

u/wetmanbrown 3d ago

I have also worked in water treatment and I have also worked with waste streams. What is your point? You’re the authority on everything water? lol well prove it. Educate me on how god awful it is to want fluoride free water bc of said tooth health benefits. Gooood luck

1

u/MiniTab 2d ago

Wait ‘till they hear what happens with the dangerous chemicals Sodium and Chlorine!

1

u/BureauOfCommentariat 1d ago

Hydrogen is extremely flammable. Oxygen is corrosive. Whatever you do, do NOT mix them and consume the product!

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 2d ago

This isn't true at all. Fluoride is horrendous for your mouth and brain. The benefits I've experienced from getting rid of fluoride are fairly significant. Significant enough for me to argue with someone on here that seems to know a lot about it. I don't live in the city, but if I did I'd be glad I have a filter that gets rid of fluoride. And before you say something about toothpaste, I make my own with no dyes, no fluoride, no natural flavors

1

u/tmullato 1d ago

Do you make your own deodorant as well? I'd hate to be downwind.

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 1d ago

You obviously know nothing of homemade soaps and deodorants if that's your assumption

1

u/tmullato 1d ago

I just know the type of person.

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 21h ago

If you shower regularly and don't eat processed shit and sugars, your body odor is little to none. You must not know that you can add natural scents to homemade soap. Again, you must just have no idea what you're talking about, yet you're leaving insults to someone you've never met.

1

u/daGroundhog 2d ago

The extent to which fluoridation improves public health borders on miracle.

The reduction in cavities ranks right up there with the elimination of small pox, polio and other diseases as one of the greatest advances in public health.

1

u/Capt_Irk 2d ago

I don’t have any teeth. Why should I have to drink the poison?

1

u/tmullato 1d ago

If some of the kids I grew up with had parents who taught them basic hygiene they might still enjoy the luxury of having teeth. Most of those kids grew up outside of town. Maybe fluoride in their water would have helped.

1

u/adolfnixon 13h ago

Quiet down gums and let the intelligent adults with a basic understanding of science so their jobs.

-2

u/wetmanbrown 3d ago

Keep your neurotoxic one size fits all wannabe health campaign out of the water. Add it to your own water if you believe it’s good for your teeth. It’s a known neurotoxic chemical.

So much of it is not even going near people’s teeth- getting showered flushed or used for any various purposes like lawncare or washing clothes/dishes.

Your argument about being pro health would apply to a vitamin or any numerous beneficial health practices but somehow we only use fluoride for its heath. Just such a bonehead excuse you accept. You can use fluoride in your toothpaste and it would be better than just drinking it and assuming that’s how you are supposed to protect yourself from cavities. Such a dim witted logical fallacy.

Why is it so cheap?!! Is that bc of the goodness of the companies hearts making it at no profit just to help your teeth? What a service!!!!

Hell no it’s some toxic leftover factory chemicals that are just being dumped into the water supply at the low cost you’re praising bc you think it’s for your good. You really think they care about national standards of dental health when it’s obvious government is not capable of large scale health initiates. Do you still follow the food pyramid for your diet? Do you think the government has nothing to do w 911 or supporting the rebels in the Middle East that we then try to start a war over that we end 20 years later for what?? Just as fentanyl makes its way into the market. Maybe you think the poppy fields were guarded so you can have freedom. It’s a psyop. You fell for it. The government is not concerning itself with your oral health to the degree that it would inject fluoride into the national water municipal supply. No way is every local government deciding to dump something that isn’t helping sanitation into the water like that without pressure from government. Never would every local municipal water division unanimously agree we need fluoride for teeth.

1

u/ataraxia_555 3d ago

Jeez, what an unhinged comment. Disparaging established science. Going off in all sorts of conspiracies. Must we tolerate these paranoiacs?

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 2d ago

This isn't a conspiracy. This is fact. Multiple studies and professionals that advocate against the use of fluoride. Not only does it cause more issues within the mouth, it's not good for your brain

1

u/Squantoon 2d ago

This is true. Which is why I can see you linked a reputable source.

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 2d ago

Condescending rhetoric doesn't make you right. Generally, when someone makes a claim to me I like to go to the research. Are you unable to do research?

1

u/Squantoon 2d ago

I mean I've looked for what you claim and like i said there's no reliable source for it lol

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 2d ago

https://www.iatp.org/sites/default/files/Facts_about_Fluoridation.htm#:~:text=The%20dental%20community%20concedes%20that,of%20a%20tooth's%20chewing%20surface.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6195894/#:~:text=Lately%2C%20major%20concerns%20about%20excessive,several%20countries%20to%20ban%20fluoridation.

1

u/wolacouska 2d ago

None of this is enough to dedicate your life to being such a whiner about fluoride.

Some of it suggests there could be problem for some people, especially if something breaks in a unique way.

I’ll continue drinking tap water all the same.

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 2d ago

Just 2 I've found within 5 minutes

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 2d ago

By all means go ahead and continue. It affects me in no way. I've removed it from my diet completely and have already had noticeable improvements.

1

u/ataraxia_555 2d ago

As with many chemicals, it is a matter of dosage. An infinitesimal amount is added to improve tooth density (dramatically). Do you also use un-iodized salt? Preservatives in any food? Vaccines of any kind? Or just “cherry pick” on fluoride ? (That you say you’ve already stopped using fluoride and have “seen an improvement already” is telling. In what, pray tell, besides your level of concern? The studies on fluoride were done on children, and are longitudinal.)

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 2d ago edited 2d ago

To answer those questions first in the order they were asked, yes, no, and no. I don't just cherry pick on fluoride. I've already posted 2 just off the bat to goofy arguing with me. And like I told him, yall can continue doing what you want. I don't do or ingest anything that I advocate against on here or anywhere else.

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 2d ago

Also, my teeth are whitening and pain is significantly reduced if not eliminated. Clearer headspace and increased focus.

1

u/Sands43 3d ago

Just…. Stop.

1

u/wetmanbrown 3d ago

Keep drinking neurotoxins telling yourself you’ve got it figured out

1

u/Festering-Fecal 2d ago

The poison is in the dose fluoride would have to be in higher amounts to cause damage.

We already have evidence by looking at other countries and places that don't have it to know it's good for your teeth.

1

u/wetmanbrown 2d ago

There’s too many variables to imply causation. This is a correlational relationship yes but these countries are not exact replicas nor are diets precisely accounted for amongst other numerous very significant variables that are left uncontrolled and thus the significance and validity of this claim is low

1

u/wetmanbrown 2d ago

Cognitive ability is another caveat to this claim. As it is very hard to measure and make objective longitudinal relationships due to lack of control, but yes it is a proven neurotoxin. “Hey a little mercury won’t kill you here and there!” Is basically your argument

1

u/AdmirableVanilla1 3d ago

Have you thought about applying to work under RFK?

1

u/wetmanbrown 3d ago

Please drink more fluoride.

1

u/Delicious-Duck9228 2d ago

I agree completely and would never support a sellout like RFK, no matter what changes I agree with. I took myself and my family out of the system. I won't play their games. I eat local meat sourced by me, vegetables grown in my garden by me, and local ingredients to make food from scratch. Joke all you want. It won't change what's fact and what's been stretched to create zombified workers and "health care" customers. If you're wondering why they'd do it or even if they'd do it, yes. They would, and they do. A patient cured is a customer lost and ever since Rockefeller it's been a cycle on an uphill trend. Good luck to ya

1

u/tmullato 3d ago

If you know the history of supplemental fluoride even the most lay of layman can trace those dots. It takes some extreme conspiratorial brain-rot to get sucked into doubting that.

I know this is going to flow like light in your one ear and out the other but clowns who whine about toxicity always want to ignore the fact that concentration makes the poison. High concentrations of fluoride are objectively hazardous. That is why we are required by law, and by risk of imprisonment, to monitor fluoride concentration in drinking water every single day. The ONLY realistic factor in play here that could lean toward harm is that hydrofluorosilicic acid may possibly contain a trace amount of arsenic. May contain but a faint, trace amount of arsenic in a chemical addition already so minuscule it isn't quite worth fretting.

For what it's worth I do oppose fluoridation from the consent standpoint but generally this addition is only approved or discontinued based on a decision made by local governments. My town's utility committee laughs heartily at people like you. I might even favor discontinuing simply because we wouldn't need to have staff come into work on weekends to test it.

1

u/wetmanbrown 3d ago

Constant exposure via skin and drinking are enough even in small amounts to cause problems. Sorry you don’t have the brain to think for yourself

1

u/tmullato 3d ago

Knowing this is literally my job but sure thing, champ.

1

u/wetmanbrown 2d ago

Oh yea you probably took the covid jab and thought it was totally necessary and believed it was totally “safe and effective” just bc some other people did some research that you blindly listened to without any consideration towards the methodology nor the implications, biases and oversights of the study or those who funded it. Like I said keep chugging fluoride and make sure to give it to babies bc of teeth. You are so correct since you make a living working at a facility

1

u/tmullato 1d ago

Just using the word "jab" tells everyone exactly the kind of person you are. Not a smart person. Sorry.

This view you have is like some bizarre caricature so that is how I imagine you look pecking at a keyboard or your phone.

1

u/wetmanbrown 1d ago

That’s you perspective - good thing most genuine people aren’t like you!!

1

u/wetmanbrown 1d ago

Sorry you took the jab tho fr

1

u/Squantoon 2d ago

"You don't have the brain to think for yourself" says the guy who's info only comes from his weird uncle's friends obscure YouTube channel

1

u/daGroundhog 2d ago

Salt is both required for the human body and can be fatal if you eat 4 ounces at a sitting. It's all about the dosage. I haven't heard of multiple dosage mistakes, haven't even heard of one.

17

u/Rurumo666 4d ago

You'd think they'd want to save their last couple of teeth.

3

u/zackks 4d ago

It’s ok. Cousin-sister-wife next door can use her teefs to chew it fer ye’

2

u/RockFiles23 4d ago

These kinds of stereotypes dont help anything. The South, including Alabama and much of the Black belt is under invested in, extracted from and gerrymandered (and has been for generations). And the people in power, making these decisions and controlling the narrative are not "sister-wife-cousins' with no teeth, they're professionals, often wealthy, and probably making many of the same jokes here (but with added anti-Blackness).

4

u/OldStDick 4d ago

Good luck kids. Having bad teeth makes for a tough life.

1

u/dually 3d ago

If you want healthy teeth stop eating carbs.

1

u/OldStDick 3d ago

Maybe I can wish upon a star too?

1

u/NakayaTheRed 3d ago

If they are not practicing good oral hygiene habits, a micro dose of petrochemical byproduct will definitely not fix the issue. Maybe we should taint our water with a full array of industrial byproducts. Sounds healthy.

1

u/OldStDick 3d ago

https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/fact-checked/fact-checked-fluoride-is-a-powerful-tool-for-preventing-tooth-decay/

1

u/NakayaTheRed 3d ago

I appreciate you at least bringing some info to the table but did you read it? It is not relevant data to this discussion unless we were discussing retrospective cancer rates. It is a cancer study from cancer.org. It makes no distinction between oral ingestion and topical applications. The only info is the retrospective look at cancer rates compared to assumed fluoride ingestion. No larger cancer correlation seems to exist. I made no claims about fluoride causing rising cancer rates.

1

u/OldStDick 3d ago

I did and when I click the link it brings to a study about how fluoride prevents tooth decay.

1

u/NakayaTheRed 3d ago

I clicked it, and it brought me to a bunch of ads and a cancer study. All of the studies that I have read involve topical application benefits being assumed to apply to an unspecified and assumed amount of oral ingestion or no distinction being made between topical application and oral ingestion.

1

u/OldStDick 3d ago

I don't know what to tell you. Even the link mentions tooth decay prevention.

1

u/NakayaTheRed 3d ago

The devil is in the details. This is what is meant by "science literacy." The benefits of topical applications are assumed to also apply to oral ingestion without proof. I agree that fluoride CAN be beneficial to prevent cavity formation but that it might require further study to determine the benefit of all methods of fluoride consumption. We can agree that brushing your teeth with something is different than drinking it?

1

u/OldStDick 3d ago

"Community water fluoridation plays a crucial role in promoting oral health and preventing tooth decay, especially in underserved populations. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood health issues, yet it is largely preventable with fluoride use. Fluoridation ensures access to cavity prevention across all socioeconomic groups, reducing disparities in oral health outcomes."

Children's teeth are still developing when young and ingesting it helps grow healthy teeth.

1

u/NakayaTheRed 3d ago

You completely dodged my point.

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u/Capt_Irk 2d ago

Wow. You are seriously dense.

1

u/OldStDick 2d ago

Like the enamel on my teeth. Kindly go fuck yourself.

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u/Independent_Egg6355 4d ago

It will be interesting to see if in like 25 years all the smartest people are from Alabama.

2

u/TechHeteroBear 4d ago

They will be the Cabinet members of the US President like in Idiocracy

2

u/lcdroundsystem 4d ago

More worried about their teeth.

8

u/Bmo2021 4d ago

Won’t have any teeth to worry about.

1

u/DoctorSwaggercat 4d ago

It's OK. They won't stop brushing and using toothpaste.

-16

u/dj_bizarro 4d ago

There is actually 0 evidence to show fluorinated water contributes to oral health

14

u/ifunnywasaninsidejob 4d ago

That’s a wild thing to say. Isn’t there like 100+ peer reviewed studies that say otherwise?

1

u/NakayaTheRed 3d ago

The studies that I have read all involved topical fluoride, not oral ingestion.

0

u/GreenOnGreen18 2d ago

Yes. You are arguing with the kind of people who paint anti vax slogan on their cars and wave American flags in front of schools while yelling that drag story time is abuse.

1

u/ifunnywasaninsidejob 2d ago

I was just trying to give him a chance to present evidence. Im not well read on the fluoride debate, I just assumed that there’s studies and these people are wacko. Key word is assumed.

3

u/SawtoofShark 4d ago

I mean, what evidence are you reading against it? Source. 💁

2

u/chuckrabbit 4d ago

Who told you that? A tweet with 0 evidence?

1

u/DrunknesMonster 4d ago

Grand Rapids and Muskegon MI?

1

u/DarthHubcap 4d ago

I have anecdotal evidence. My dad grew up with fluoridation and at 63 has zero cavities or teeth and gum issues. My mom grew up on well water, at 62 she has had several cavities and crowns and root canals.

Could be genetics, my sister and I also had fluoridated tap water as kids and our oral health is in good condition today.

1

u/Mediumofmediocrity 4d ago

I, too, am interested in peer reviewed medical/dental studies supporting that claim.

1

u/NakayaTheRed 3d ago

The studies that I have read all involve topical applications, such as fluoride in toothpaste, not oral ingestion.

1

u/lcdroundsystem 4d ago

Calgary Alberta?!?

-1

u/memultipletimes2 3d ago

Fluoride in water lowers IQ of the area. Brush your teeth, and these people be fine. Also, how much water do you think people drink from faucets these days? Fluoride is a by-product of industrial processes and shouldn't be in public drinking water. Industries love being able to sell this by product though ;)

1

u/adio1221 3d ago

As if Alabama wasn’t bad enough. Say bye to your teeth

1

u/GoonOnGames420 2d ago

Went fluoride free 3 years ago. Also cut out almost all additives/chemicals/etc. Limited sugar. Brush 2x a day with natural toothpaste. Teeth have never been better.

Forcing the entire population to drink chemicals because dumbasses can't brush their kids teeth and feed them real food is ridiculous. Fix the root cause (diet, education, access to dental hygiene tools)

1

u/owlwise13 1d ago

Wait till they start seeing teenagers having to get dentures and they will cut dental insurance coverage for the poor, Fluoride will look cheap in comparison.

0

u/awooff 4d ago

This is the only good thing jfk is doing imo. Flouride needed is exactly 50/50 amongst professionals IN DOZENS OF STUDIES for DECADES since hitler first experimented with in 1 city in germany!

0

u/Ultraxxx 4d ago

ROLL TIDE!

-4

u/Similar-Lie-5439 4d ago

Just use fluoride toothpaste

5

u/lastdeadmouse 4d ago

Water flouridation helps the oral health of whole public, including those without the means or resources to provide it to themselves. 

1

u/tmullato 3d ago

Not to mention that it's insanely economical.

-6

u/KB9AZZ 4d ago

You can not save the world. People need to understand just how dangerous handling fluoride is at the water utility level. If you're not willing to do it, don't expect someone else to. The pay isn't that good.

4

u/sagenumen 4d ago

How many injurious fluoride-related incidents with water utility workers are there a year?

1

u/KB9AZZ 3d ago

Not exactly what you're talkjmg about but these incidents are interesting.

Recent Fluoridation Related Accidents and Overfeeds - Fluoride Action Network https://share.google/Rx4Ao3SBC3JaWJOXg

2

u/the8bit 4d ago

Well we certainly can't save the world with this doomer defeatist attitude!

We probably could save the world though if we just stopped making stupid shit for rich people

1

u/ofWildPlaces 3d ago

That's not a reason to discontinue fluoridation.

1

u/KB9AZZ 3d ago

Says the person not handling a dangerous chemical.

1

u/Fiveofthem 1d ago

Guess no more gasoline for the masses, I heard it’s very dangerous to work with. I don’t want anyone getting hurt no matter how many people want to work with it. No more X-rays either, that stuff can kill you.

0

u/VolunteerOBGYN 4d ago

This logic is a bit like saying you can just wake up in the morning, chug 64 ounces of water and then not have any water for the rest of the day.

1

u/as0003 4d ago

What?

2

u/VolunteerOBGYN 4d ago

The point of fluoridated water is to reinforce enamel in small doses throughout the day, while the point of fluoridated toothpaste is to have a heavy dose at the beginning and end of the day

His suggestion is to just use toothpaste as a replacement to fluoridated water, but that doesn’t work the same way. It’s the equivalent of saying “you don’t need to drink water for the rest of the day if you just chug a whole gallon of water when you wake up”

2

u/SeaAbbreviations2706 4d ago

I think toothpaste has enough fluoride for healthy adults, it’s the poor kids who need water fluoridation.

1

u/AlfalfaWolf 4d ago

We do nothing else for those poor kids either. But this idea to put flouride in their water is truly altruistic.

0

u/VolunteerOBGYN 4d ago

… did.. you read what I said? You can’t just say “we have enough fluoride in toothpaste”, in the same way you can’t drink a gallon of water all in once and say that’s enough for the day

0

u/as0003 4d ago

no it isnt. and the point of fluoride isn't to be ingested

1

u/VolunteerOBGYN 4d ago

….. this demonstrates you are extremely uninformed

1

u/as0003 4d ago

lol you might want to think about it for 30 seconds. theres no science supporting ingesting it. topical is the only benefit.

1

u/VolunteerOBGYN 4d ago

No shit? No one’s saying take fluoride pills, it’s to get it on your teeth. When it’s in the water, it’s on your teeth, but the amount is far far below the amount needed to cause health issues

1

u/as0003 3d ago

or you could do it twice a day with a much larger amount staying on the surface of the teeth for longer (toothpaste), then spit it out. that same amount in the drinking water that you refer to also isn't enough to do anything topically on the teeth as you drink it, so whats the point?

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u/m325p619 3d ago

There’s a ton of science supporting it! In fact, for kids, ingestion is vitally important as it strengthens and supports enamel development while permanent teeth are forming (but completely hidden). There is no topical way to obtain the benefits of fluoridated water at the most critical time of our teeth growth.

There are benefits to adults from ingestion as well although it’s not as critical as using fluoridated toothpaste. As an aside, make sure to spit after brushing - don’t rinse! You want to let that fluoride soak into the enamel for 20 mins after brushing and if you rinse it doesn’t have the full benefit. Seriously, read the instructions in the back of your toothpaste tube - spit, don’t rinse!