… “It’s an excellent thing for them to be short of this chemical,” said Paul Connett, executive director of the U.S.-based Fluoride Action Network.
“If having a shortage of it makes them question the practice, that would be very, very good.”
Fluoridation has long been promoted by dentists, and by the Canadian Dental Association, as a cost-effective and far-reaching way to prevent tooth decay for the public.
According to Health Canada, many studies show fluoridated water greatly reduces the number of cavities in children’s teeth.
However, the practice has long had its share of detractors.
The Fluoride Action Network released a statement this week signed by more than 600 professionals — including more than 100 dentists — calling for an end to water fluoridation.
They say while using fluoride in toothpaste has proven effective in preventing tooth decay, putting it in the water supply has shown minimal benefits.
“It makes as much sense as swallowing sunblock,” said Connett.
His group says the detrimental effects of fluoride include an increased risk of bone fractures, lowered IQ, decreased thyroid function and a staining of teeth.
About 40 per cent of Canadians receive fluoridated water.
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