Fluoride-Induced Spots on Teeth Harm Kids' Self-Esteem, says Dental Journal

[NYSCOF]

New York - April 14, 2008 -- Fluoride exposure is rising and causing
children's tooth imperfections, ranging from white spots to brownish
discolorations and pitting (fluorosis), dentist Elivir Dincer reports
in the New York State Dental Journal. (1)

"Such changes in the tooth's appearance can affect the child's self-
esteem which makes early prevention that much more critical," writes
Dincer.

Children, aged 2 to 7 years, can swallow about one-quarter milligram
of fluoride with every brushing because their swallowing reflexes are
not fully developed, reports Dincer.

"Children from the age of 6-months to 3-years should not have more
than one-quarter milligram of fluoride per day. Brushing the teeth of
a 2-year-old twice a day will expose the child to about one-half
milligram, exceeding the allowable [daily] limits" [from toothpaste
alone], writes Dincer.

Intentionally swallowing the toothpaste which is likely, given the
pleasant flavor of children's toothpaste, increases children's
fluorosis risk, Dincer reports.

Fluoridated water, supplements, mouthrinses and/or foods add to daily
fluoride intake.

Up to 48% of children have fluorosis, with 4% moderate/severe (yellow/
brown teeth), reports the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (2).
Fluoride over-exposure at ages 22- to 25-months can discolor the
permanent two front teeth while they form under the gums.

Two-thirds of US water suppliers add fluoride chemicals to reduce
tooth decay. This fluoridated water is used to make many foods and
beverages. (3) "Water and processed beverages (e.g., soft drinks and
fruit juices) can provide approximately 75% of a person's fluoride
intake," according to the CDC. (4)

Mixing infant formula with fluoridated water (5), fluoride supplements
(6) and foods with naturally higher fluoride levels, such as tea and
ocean fish, independently increase risk of dental fluorosis. Fluoride-
containing pesticide residues remain on various foods. Fluoride is
also inhaled via ocean and shower mist and is in some medicines.

"It's obvious that fluoridation is dosing our children with
uncontrollable and undesirable amounts of fluoride," says attorney
Paul Beeber, President, New York State Coalition Opposed to
Fluoridation, Inc. "Besides affecting teeth, fluoride can be
hazardous to your general health," he says. "Since fluoride is neither
a nutrient nor essential for healthy teeth and no child is, or ever
was, fluoride deficient, it's time we stop adding fluoride chemicals
into water supplies," says Beeber.

Over 1600 professionals joined Environmental Protection Agency
scientists in calling for an end to fluoridation. (7) Join the over
11,000 individuals supporting them by signing the petition asking for
a Congressional investigation at http://congress.FluorideAction.Net

Contact: Paul Beeber, JD nys...@aol.com
http://www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof
http://www.FluorideAction.Net


References:

1) "Why Do I Have White Spots on My Front Teeth," by Elvir Dincer,
DDS, New York State Dental Journal, January 2008, Page 58 Volume 74,
Number 1
http://www.nysdental.org/img/current-pdf/JrnlJan2008.pdf

2) Surveillance for Dental Caries, Dental Sealants, Tooth Retention,
Edentulism and Dental Fluorosis, CDC, MMWR August 2005
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/figures/s403a1t23.gif

3) USDA National Fluoride Database of Selected
Beverages and Foods - 2004 http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/Fluoride/Fluoride.html

4) US Centers for Disease Control - Enamel Fluorosis
http://www.cdc.gov/FLUORIDATION/safety/enamel_fluorosis.htm

5a) US Centers for Disease Control - Infant Formula and Fluoride
http://www.cdc.gov/FLUORIDATION/safety/infant_formula.htm#12

b) Academy of General Dentistry, "Monitor Infant's Fluoride Intake,"
March 2007
http://www.agd.org/support/articles/?ArtID=1187
c) American Dental Association, "ADA offers interim guidance on
infant formula and fluoride," November 2006
http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle.asp?articleid=2212

6) American Dental Association, Evidence Based Dentistry: Systematic
Reviews Fluoride Supplements
http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/ebd/reviews/fluoride_supplements.asp

7) http://www.fluorideaction.org/statement.august.2007.html