US officials recommend reducing the amount of fluoride in water
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Health and Human Services have revealed that levels of fluoride in drinking water are too high.
For many years, there has been a fervent debate surrounding the use of fluoride in water supplies, with dentists and health officials supporting the use based on the benefits for oral health and many people campaigning against the use of fluoride based on concerns for general health. Recently, the debate has intensified and several communities in Canada and America have voted against the use of fluoride in their water supplies.
Representatives from the Health and Human Services department do not want to remove fluoride from water supplies completely; instead they are recommending a reduction in the level of fluoride. Currently, the recommended level is between 0.7 and 1.2 milligrams per litre of water and officials want to lower the level to 0.7 milligrams per litre of water.
The HHS claims that the limit should be lowered, as a higher level of fluoride is contributing to dental fluorosis in young children; fluorosis is a condition which is caused by an excess of fluoride; it is characterised by white patches and streaks on the surface of the teeth.
There is evidence to suggest that fluoride does benefit the teeth; however, the benefits are often associated with topical use of fluoride and many campaigners claim that people can benefit from fluoride by using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Some people say that drinking fluoridated water does not have any health benefits, while others will contest this and claim that fluoridated water does have benefits for oral health. The subject is becoming increasingly contentious and more people are getting involved in the debate.
The HHS has made its recommendations but any decisions on the levels of fluoride in the water will be made by local and state municipalities.
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