Changes

==Anti-Fluoridation Movement==

==Anti-Fluoridation Movement==

Despite the hysterical charges of anti-fluoridationists, community water fluoridation (CWF) has been shown to be safe and effective. It has a 60+ year track record.  CWF was hailed as one of the top 10 public health measures of the 20th Century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and has been endorsed by every U.S. Surgeon General for the past 50 years.

In 1978, Michigan became the first state to repeal mandatory fluoridation laws, leaving the decision to local jurisdictions. Many municipalities have since mounted successful challenges against mandatory fluoridation laws. The character Jack D. Ripper from [[Dr. Strangelove]] starts a war over his concerns about excessive fluoridation, signified by his motto, "POE" or "Purity of Essence."

 

More than 2/3 of the population of the United States now enjoys the cavity-fighting benefits of community water fluoridation.

==Avoiding Fluoride==

==Avoiding Fluoride==

The best way to avoid fluoride is to have your own source of water, such as a spring or well. [If you are hysterical about fluoride, this actually may not the best way to avoid fluoride, since most sources of water contain varying amounts of naturally-occurring fluoride.]  Some communities in he United States do not practice fluoridation, but many others do. If you are unsure whether your community uses fluoride, you can purchase a home test kit. Do not trust the fluoride information self-reported by your local water company. [Why not?  Do you really think they are trying to poison you?  The only reason I can see for this advice is to get people to buy a home test kit.]

The best way to avoid fluoride is to have your own source of water, such as a spring or well. Some communities in the United States do not practice fluoridation, but many others do. If you are unsure whether your community uses fluoride, you can purchase a home test kit. Do not trust the fluoride information self-reported by your local water company.

Bottled water can be a good alternative, but many bottlers now add fluoride. Look for spring water or filter your own using a "[[reverse osmosis]]" filter.

Bottled water can be a good alternative, but many bottlers now add fluoride. Look for spring water or filter your own using a "[[reverse osmosis]]" filter.