To the Editor:

No science exists to prove fluoridation is safe for everyone. For instance, babies routinely fed infant formula mixed with fluoridated water are at high risk for developing fluoride-damaged teeth — dental fluorosis (white-spotted, yellow, brown, and/or pitted teeth) without benefit of less tooth decay.

Too many dentists publicly claim that mild dental fluorosis is no problem, and in fact some say fluorosed teeth are prettier than normal teeth. But that doesn’t stop dentists from advertising their services to cover the unsightly teeth.

All children’s dental fluorosis rates surged, according to CDC’s 2011-2012 NHANES survey. Fifty-eight percent of all children (6- to 19-year-olds) now have fluorosis, with a staggering 21 percent of children displaying moderate fluorosis on at least two teeth

A recent U.S. study links prenatal fluoride exposure to offspring’s lower IQ. This adds to the 300-plus studies linking fluoride to neurotoxic effects — 51 human; 27 at water fluoride levels EPA condones in U.S. water supplies.

Fluoride, even at low levels added to the public’s water, has also been shown to harm thyroid and kidney patients, the malnourished, and those allergic or intolerant to fluoride.

There is no dispute between those for and against fluoridation that too much ingested fluoride is bad for bones and developing teeth. Fluoride is in virtually all foods and beverages, especially high in tea and ocean fish, is in some medicines, and is inhaled from ocean mist and absorbed from dental products. It’s up to those instigating fluoridation to prove that children in Edgartown aren’t already fluoride-overdosed from those sources.

Carol Kopf
Levittown, N.Y.

*Original letter online at http://www.mvtimes.com/2017/11/08/fluoride-may-harm-good/

See also:

• Apr 12, 2018, Fluoride Loses
• Apr 5, 2018, Letter: Vote for clean water
• Apr 5, 2018, Experience or New Direction Anchors Edgartown Selectmen Race
• Apr 4, 2018, Letter: Fluoride isn’t worth the cost
• Mar 29, 2018, Letter: Professionals support Edgartown fluoridation
• Mar 10, 2018, Edgartown Debates Fluoride Question
• Feb 28, 2018, Edgartown to hold public forum on water fluoridation
• Dec 6, 2017, Edgartown. Letter: Health board didn’t follow law on adding fluoride
  
• Nov 29, 2017, Editorial. Edgartown: Decayed trust
  
• Nov 22, 2017, To fluoridate or not to fluoridate? Edgartown board of health leaves it up to voters
• Nov 22, 2017, Fluoride Question Goes to Edgartown Voters
  
• Nov 16, 2017, Fluoride Plan Continues to Draw Heat in Edgartown
  
• Nov 15, 2017, Edgartown. Letter: Fluoridation should be a townwide decision
  
• Nov 14, 2017, Edgartown: Fluoride decision gets town’s attention
  
• Nov 9, 2017, Edgartown: Board of Health Votes to Add Fluoride to Water, Causing Outcry
  
• Nov 8, 2017, Edgartown voters have less than 90 days to petition against fluoride
  
• Nov 8, 2017, Letter: Fluoride may do more harm than good
  
• Oct 20, 2017, Edgartown BOH Legal Notice: Fluoride level in drinking water to be raised
  
• Oct 20, 2017, Edgarton’s Board of Health to discuss fluoridation

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