Discussing Fluoride Changes With Dr. John Messinger DDS
January ushered in a lot of government issued change pertaining to fluoride. The primary activity which occurred was the Department of Health and Human Services decreasing its recommended optimal community water fluoridation levels. While many critics would prefer fluoride use to be eradicated all together, there continues to be a lot of question and apprehension regarding the use of fluoride. To get a better perspective on fluoride we sat down with Main Street Dental’s Dr. John Messinger who is not only a well respected general dentist but also holds a PhD in BioChemistry.
Q: Hello Dr. Messinger! Thanks for sitting down with us. A lot of people are pretty passionate and opposed to fluoride. Why is there so much controversy surrounding this topic?
A: The controversy is actually to be expected. Anytime there is a matter of public health policy people react strongly, often with emotion and suspicion. There is a tremendous amount of pressure and responsibility placed on those who research and make health policy.
FDA Approves New Labeling Standards for Fluoridated Water
2011 Ushers In New Recommendations on Fluoride
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has changed its recommendation for optimal community water fluoridation level one part per million to 0.7 parts per million. This adjustment will provide an effective level of fluoride to reduce the incidence of tooth decay while minimizing the rate of fluorosis in the general population.
Like most matters of public health policy, community water fluoridation is a topic of passionate debate. American Dental Association President, Dr. Raymond Gist DDS stated on record the following: “Dentistry has succeeded in detecting and preventing disease better than any other area of health care. Water fluoridation is one of our most potent weapons in disease prevention, and we want as many people as possible to have the benefits of this simple, safe, inexpensive and proven health care measure.”
