The Science of Dentistry

Fluoridated Water

Here is the issue at hand: fluoridated water effectiveness in making tooth surfaces, both enamel and dentin, more resistant to decay is now beyond scientific doubt. The optimal amount of fluoride necessary to make teeth resistant to decay is 0.7-1.20 milligrams per liter mg/L, or ppm (parts per million), while preventing any problematic effects.

Water Fluoridation

“You’re either with us, or against us” has been a popular quotation throughout history.  I think that phrase describes the water fluoridation debate fairly well.  There are many people against fluoride due to the dangers of fluoride, and many people that support the addition of fluoride to the public water supplies.  I’ve felt caught in the middle.  When I was in dental school we are bombarded with presentations on the benefits of water fluoridation and much of academia doesn’t seem to acknowledge that there are good arguments on both sides of the water fluoridation debate. 

Sensationalism: Big Mouths, Small Brains

In the past I have written about the dangers of misinterpreting information from research articles or news sources, with even the Discovery Channels’ own author blowing things out of proportion. A recent example is from Dr. Joseph Mercola, a physician turned internet health guru.