They Put What in Our Water?

It is generally believed that advances in medical care have improved the overall lives of billions of people on the earth. It is hard to argue against that overall premise. However, there are many people that don’t exactly agree with all aspects of how governments, corporations, and medical communities force medical submission upon the public. Fluoridated water is one of those contested practices.

It is said that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. So, adding fluoride to water sources is an easy way to provide the masses with better dental health. Fluoridation has been deemed safe and effective by many countries and the international health and dental communities. However, there is still much variance, even from country to country and region to region. For example, Australia regards water fluoridation as the most effective way to provide fluoride to more people. Europe, on the other hand, claims that water fluoridation has no greater value than the topical application of fluoride. 

So, why is there variance on this matter? Well, many studies have been cited that show the efficacy of water fluoridation. Paradoxically, many studies have been cited showing the opposite, that water fluoridation does not increase overall dental health in communities that drink the treated water. 

But, what is conspiratorial about this? Great question! Here are a few theories that have taken route over the years: 1) Fluoridation was attributed in the 1950s and 1960s to a communist scheme to impair their enemies’—namely capitalists—health. 2) It is a ruse to cover up the government's failure to help poor people and communities with their oral health. 3) Fluoridation was a smoke and mirrors cover-up of the fluoride pollutants in the environment that ended up in water sources. 

If fluoridation is safe and effective, why have countries including Sweden and Denmark banned water fluoridation within their borders? Are other countries’ researchers and doctors better than theirs? Or, is it perhaps the other way around? Until there’s decisive evidence either way, and if you’re a resident of a pro-fluoridation country…bottoms up!