Fluoride – in Drinking Water?

Do you want fluoride in drinking water? Does your city put fluoride in drinking water? Do you want bottlers to put fluoride in drinking water?

Fighting over Fluoride in Drinking Water

The presence of fluoride in drinking water is the subject of a long-standing battle. Many claim that fluoride in drinking water is for the people’s good. Others believe that any addition to drinking water is unnecessary and possibly harmful.

There may be no right or wrong answer, but the battle continues. Perhaps we should allow fluoride in drinking water only if it is municipal, not bottled water?

Pros and Cons of Fluoride in Drinking Water

PROS:

Many want fluoride in drinking water. They believe fluoride is essential in dental care, and reason that having fluoride in drinking water may negate much dental harm people cause themselves through neglect. If we have fluoride in drinking water, they say, we will cut dental costs. Fluoride will strengthen teeth throughout the population. Everyone will have better teeth.

CONS:

Those who argue against fluoride in drinking water believe fluoride is more dangerous than helpful. They cite scientific studies showing that large amounts of fluoride in the human system are dangerous. The studies indicate, they say, that areas putting fluoride in drinking water also have a high level of chemicals and toxins. More importantly, they argue that fluoride in drinking water increases the risk of arsenic in the water.

Since both sides base their arguments on scientific studies, it is difficult to make a choice. Indeed, some governments believe people lack the wisdom to make a choice. The governing body simply decides it will put fluoride in drinking water and people will have to live with it. Other areas have allowed voting on the question, while still others are still debating the benefits and dangers of fluoride in drinking water.

While the facts do seem to be contradictory, a great segment of those arguing the question believe the use of fluoride should be an individual decision. They point out that a government should not be given the right to put fluoride in drinking water. If they are allowed to add fluoride, they may add other things.

It is hard to discount the benefits, to some people, of fluoride in drinking water, but if you choose not to have it in yours, you may want to invest in a filter or bottled water. Check your bottled water, since some bottlers add fluoride to that as well.