From the evidence I found, I have been completely astounded how much of a reactive and dangerous chemical it is and of the danger it poses to the health of our families and our community. There is no other health condition that undergoes mass-medication.

When fluoridation began in the 1950s, there were no large-scale population and time-based studies available. There is now. Two to three generations of data now shows clear trends of concern and it warrants fresh consideration before we make this decision for our community.

There are numerous well-conducted scientific studies (with all other variables accounted for) showing clear links between fluoridated water and rates of skeletal fluorosis, bone degeneration, hypothyroidism, calcification of the pineal gland (involved in sleep and serotonin levels which have an effect on rates of depression), lowered IQ and effects on babies in utero.

And these are just the things that have been studied. Why would we think that ingesting a medication would only affect one fraction of our body tissue? By ingesting fluoride, we are in effect saying that the possibility that this may help my teeth is the highest priority in my health and I’m OK with the all other side effects.

When looking at issues around fluoride, there are some important points to be aware of.

Ingested fluoride in water is completely different to brushing with fluoride toothpaste. “There are numerous studies demonstrating that a small amount of fluoride delivered to the oral cavity decreases the prevalence of dental decay. However, ingestion of fluoride leads to toxicity and adverse effects”.

Water fluoridation commonly uses hydrofluosilicic acid which comes from quenching of toxic gases in the production of phosphate fertilizer, captured to stop it escaping into the air into or waterways due to its toxicity. It also contains contaminants arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium to name a few. It is a highly toxic schedule 6 poison that is so reactive that specialised and expensive infrastructure is required to store it as it eats through all metals and concrete. The majority of studies that have shown some benefit to dental decay have used naturally occurring calcium fluoride or sodium fluoride (as found in toothpaste). Totally different.

The current dental recommendations of brushing for 2-3 minutes is because any benefit of fluoride only occurs from prolonged contact with the tooth surface, mixed with saliva and the friction of the brush.This same benefit has NOT been shown to occur when fluoride is ingested in water. When this occurs, our lips and tongue cover most surfaces as we swallow it straight down.

Data from the World Health Organisation of rates of tooth decay over 45 years and 18 countries around the world clearly show that there is completely NO difference between countries with fluoridated water and non fluoridated water. This natural rate of decline has instead been put down to better nutrition and better dental practices.

Fluoride is NOT a nutrient. Dental decay does NOT occur as a result of fluoride deficiency because fluoride does NOT have any biochemical function in our body. Just because it is on the periodic table does not mean that it is good for us. (Same can be said for mercury, lead, arsenic). By ingesting it, our body does NOT then transport it to our teeth but instead must neutralise it with calcium (hence leaching it from bones) to be excreted by our kidneys. A healthy strong adult is only able to excrete up to 50% of this. Small children and babies only have the capacity to excrete 20-30%. The rest accumulates in our tissue.

There is a huge distinction between concentration and dose. The concentration of fluoride in water fluoridation will be 1.0mg/L as a one- size-fits- all dose. This means a small baby fed with formula will ingest 1.0 mg of a schedule 6 known toxin for every Litre of milk they drink. The same dose as a grown man of 90kg!

The Australian Dental Association ALREADY WARNS that fluoride poses a risk with small children. Have you had a good look and read the labels on the toothpaste boxes? (they are legal documents of usage). They state that children under 6 should not use adult toothpaste and instead use “specially formulated ‘Low-fluoride children’s toothpaste’. “Do not swallow”.

Since 2010: 29 Australian Shire Councils have either stopped their current practice of putting fluoride into their water or refused to adopt the practice that they are being pressured to begin. This is the current trend.

Couldn’t we instead use the money involved in this expensive exercise for education and dental programs, perhaps more funding for public dentists and make a real difference in the areas most needing it.

Because no amount of ingested fluoride will make the slightest bit of difference if people eat high amounts of frequent sugar and do not brush. If you are curious and would like to find out for yourself what all the fuss is about, our community Facebook page “It’s OK to say NO to fluoride in Gunnedah’s water” has some good links. And this short video by world-leading experts covers it very easily: http://fluoridealert.org/fan-tv/prof-perspectives/

Wendy Carpenter,

Gunnedah