Originally published in the Well Bey Journal, the March/April edition, MY OPEN Letter speaks to the American Dental Association (ADA) for urgent appeals for reforming two long practices of American dentists, that is, water fluoride and continuous use of Mercury Amalgam fillings. Equipped with both systematic health problems, it requires ADA to match the global best practices for modern science and public health.
Request for progressive evidence -based practices in the dentist
The dental field has been at the forefront of preventive treatment for a long time, and has improved the quality of life of many individuals. But what is difficult to study is challenged by some basic practices that ADA still approved. As a public health steward, ADA must re -evaluate these policies and match modern scientific evidence and best practices.
Rethink water fluoride
The fluoride of urban capital supply has been the cornerstone of public health effort since the mid -20th century. At first, it was praised for its role in reducing teeth, but research proves that these practices are seriously dangerous to cognitive development.
The systematic review published in environmental research showed a consistent connection between fluorine exposure and children’s IQ scores. Other studies have associated with fluorative water exposure to ADHD symptoms, and the execution function has been reduced even at a relatively low level.
Most of Western Europe refused to fluoride in water resources, and as of 2024, about 98%of Western European population was drinking fluords. Their approach emphasizes the improvement of approaches and eating for oral hygiene products without education and fluoride, which still emphasizes the strategy of avoiding the potential neurotoxic effect of fluorine while solving dental health. Continuous approval for ADA’s fluoride is placed in stages with the world’s best practices.
The National Research Council also confirmed significant evidence indicating that fluorative water could affect thyroid function. In particular, in the 1950s, doctors in Europe and South America used fluorine to lower the thyroid activity of individuals with hyperthyroidism.
According to 1958 clinical studies, fluorine capacity of 2 to 5 mg per day can suppress thyroid function. This amount falls well within the estimated daily intake of 1.6 ~ 6.6mg for people living in fluorineized areas.1
The fluoride was first added to the water in the 1940s with the wrong belief that intake should prevent Chichi. However, the study showed that the benefits of fluorine originated mainly from local applications, not consumption. As a result, swallowing fluorine is completely unnecessary.
Continuing this old and harmful practices will be interested in interest and resources from more effective evidence -based strategies to improve public dental health.
Solution of amalgam filling materials
Continuous support of ADA of ADA, including about 50%of mercury, is another area that requires emergency re -evaluation. Mercury is a known neurons that affect a wide range of health on vulnerable population, especially pregnant women, children and individuals with genetic sensitivity.
According to a study by the University of Georgia, individuals with eight or more amalgam fillers have a significant increase in blood mercury levels, resulting in more than twice the number of people without charging. Health Canada took decisive measures almost 30 years ago and recommended the use of amalgam fillers in a high -risk population.
The global movement to remove the Mercury Amalgam filling is now gaining momentum, and the European Union is leading the rate. The EU’s comprehensive ban on dental amalgam was effective on January 1, 2025. This includes not only the use of amalgam, but also manufacturing and exports. This prohibition sets a precedent that countries like the United States are very difficult to justify this old -fashioned and dangerous use of data.
Many other countries have taken measures to eliminate or limit mercury use. for example:
- The Philippines, New Caledonia, St. Kits and Nevis, and Moldova completely banned dental amalgam.
- Tanzania, Vietnam and Mauritius banned the use of children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
- The world’s largest employer, Indian army and Indian railroads, stop the use of amalgam, showing significant cultural and institutional changes.
This behavior shows global recognition of the risk of the environment as well as individual health.
Private dentists in the United States provides more and more mercury alternatives, but federal funding programs such as Medicaid and Indian Health Services continue to rely greatly on Amalgam, which is an unbalanced population, including a limited population with a limited access to children, pregnant women and medical options. It means.
It is time for the United States to participate in this global movement and prioritize safer and sustainable materials in dental treatment. More and more lists in countries that adopt practices without mercury emphasize the validity of this transition.
Requirement for progressive behavior
The dentist should not exist in a vacuum, apart from wider health problems. New evidence that connects fluorine, mercury and artificial additives to systemic health risks emphasizes the need for more overall evidence -based approach. The ADA can lead by setting priority of safety and accepting policies that match the latest scientific research.
- Suspension of support for urban underwater fluoride It advocates fluo ride -based caries prevention strategies.
- Pharmaceutically abolish the use of amalgam filling materials And we support the adoption of alternatives without mercury.
The public trust in dental career depends on our collective dedication to innovation, integrity and evidence -based practice. I urge ADA to step on these important stages for fostering a healthier and progressive future for dentists and overall health.
thank you,
Dr. Joseph Mercola
