ADA objects to surgeon general’s water fluoridation comments

The ADA is strongly opposing comments made by the Louisiana surgeon general about community water fluoridation, calling them “dangerously irresponsible.”

“As doctors, we pledge to do no harm. It is gravely irresponsible that a physician who has taken this oath would dismiss more than 80 years of evidence-based, proven research demonstrating that the amount of fluoride added to community water systems is safe and effective at helping to prevent cavities,” said ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S.

Louisiana Surgeon General Ralph Abraham, M.D., voiced support for a bill to ban the fluoridation of public water in the state, which currently requires the health department to set fluoridation levels. According to reports, Dr. Abraham has been working with the Louisiana State Senate on Senate Bill 2 and has backed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to review the data on fluoridation.

The ADA and other Louisiana health care groups have objected to the ban, including the Louisiana Dental Association and the New Orleans Department of Health. In an April 26 statement, the ADA noted that the current recommended amount of fluoride in water is 0.7 parts per million, which is comparable to approximately 1 inch in 23 miles.

While some recent studies have shown that sustained exposure to high levels of fluoride above 1.5 parts per million could negatively impact health, the statement said, that amount is more than twice the 0.7 parts per million recommended by the CDC for community water fluoridation.

“As a science- and evidence-based organization, the ADA welcomes continued study and evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation and continues to strongly support community water fluoridation at its current recommended level,” the release said.

For more information on fluoride and the ADA’s advocacy efforts, visit ADA.org/fluoride.