ELDRIDGE, Iowa — Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water that scientists believe reduces cavities. It persuaded many cities to add a few more drops in the public water supply, but officials on a local and federal level say it’s time to ditch the 80-year practice.
If something tastes great, chances are it probably isn’t for your teeth. That’s the rule of thumb Dr. Katie Pins has shared for over a decade at Classic Concepts Family Dentistry.
She says most clients have leeway in their eating habits because Eldridge has fluorinated water. But the city’s utility board could bring that to an end.
“[If we move away from chemically fluoridating the water, patients would] have to be really diligent with their diet. We live in a society that has an enormous access to sugar. If fluoride is out of the water, we going to have to start telling patients and re-educating them. You’re going to have to bump up your game, not just the brushing and flossing, but you [must] cut back on all of the junk,” explained Dr. Pins.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends water have 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams of fluoride per litter. That may change if Robert F. Kennedy becomes the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. He claims that fluoride can cause cognitive declines among other health issues, but Dr. Pins believes it’s a tactic to attack her industry.
“What’s changed in our world,” Dr. Pins asked. “We’ve got access to cell phones and social media, and everyone is kind of unplugged from their families. Is that why our kids aren’t doing as well in school? What about all the processed foods? [I don’t understand] the finger-pointing at fluoride specifically? I think it’s always been a topic to touch on.”
Dr. Pins believes fluoride is “one of the foundations of dentistry,” and says she’s worked with Dr. Julie Daniels (Eldridge Family Dentistry) and Dr. Steven Levy (University of Iowa College of Dentistry) to educate residents of the benefits of fluoride.
The federal government does not require fluoridation, though it’s written into law in some states like Illinois.
The Eldridge Utility Board is now waiting to make its decision. Its members want to know who will oversee the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services before moving forward.
Original article online at: https://www.wqad.com/article/news/health/community-infrastructure-eldridge-utility-board-considers-fluoride-in-water/526-4a25ce19-46e8-4577-b3f3-32f3ef21382e