Lies People Tell About Water – Part 1: Water Fluoridation
Professor Dave Explains・16 minutes read
Water is exploited in pseudoscience through various "super-special waters" marketed, with water fluoridation being a target for conspiracy theories despite proven benefits in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride in tap water strengthens tooth enamel, started in Grand Rapids in 1945, with claims of fluoride being a neurotoxin lacking substantial evidence.
Insights
- Water, a common target in pseudoscience, sees various "super-special waters" marketed, including alkaline, oxygenated, and detox water, despite the proven benefits of water fluoridation in preventing tooth decay.
- Fluoridated water, starting in Grand Rapids in 1945, provides systemic and topical benefits recognized by the CDC and ADA, contrasting with anti-fluoride activists' misrepresentation of its effects and the exaggerated toxicity risks associated with fluoride toothpaste.
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Recent questions
What are some common types of "super-special waters"?
Alkaline water, oxygenated water, detox water
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Summary
00:00
Debunking Water Fluoridation Conspiracy Theories
- Water is often exploited in pseudoscience due to its familiarity and importance in human life.
- Various types of "super-special waters" are marketed, such as alkaline water, oxygenated water, and detox water.
- Water fluoridation is a common target for conspiracy theories, despite its proven benefits in preventing tooth decay.
- Fluoride is added to tap water to form fluoroapatite, which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay.
- Water fluoridation began in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945, leading to a significant reduction in tooth decay.
- Conspiracy theories around water fluoridation have persisted, with claims ranging from communist plots to government poisoning.
- Fluoridated water provides consistent fluoride exposure, aiding in enamel remineralization throughout the day.
- The CDC and ADA recognize both systemic and topical benefits of fluoridated water in preventing cavities.
- Anti-fluoride activists misrepresent the truth by claiming that fluoride's benefits are only topical, not systemic.
- Fluoridated water is safe to drink despite warnings on fluoride toothpaste, as the concentration of fluoride differs significantly.
13:08
Toothpaste vs. Water: Fluoride Dosage and Toxicity
- Fluoride in toothpaste is significantly more concentrated than in fluoridated water, emphasizing the importance of dosage in determining toxicity levels.
- Over-the-counter toothpaste contains regulated amounts of fluoride, but excessive consumption, especially by toddlers, can lead to medical attention due to potential toxicity.
- Ingesting large amounts of toothpaste can result in fluorosis, affecting teeth cosmetically with white markings, brown spots, and pitting, particularly in severe cases.
- Fluoridated water, with minimal fluoride content, does not pose immediate health risks like toothpaste, which necessitates keeping it out of reach of children.
- Claims of fluoride being a neurotoxin lack substantial evidence, with studies showing shaky associations between fluoride and IQ, often marred by limitations, bias, and questionable ethics of researchers.
