I was originally published in the Worlding Being magazine, March/April 2025, my open message is dealing with the American Dental Association (ADA) with an urgent call to fix two long practices in dentistry in the United States: water flauria and continue to use mercury. By installing evidence that links both systemic health concerns, I call ADA to align its policies with modern science and best global practices for public health.
An invitation to progressive practices based on dentistry
Dentistry has long been at the forefront of preventive care, with progress that has improved the quality of life for countless individuals. However, the escalation of research challenges some constituent practices that are still supported by Ada. As public health rulers, Ada must reassess these policies and comply with modern scientific evidence and best practices.
Reflection on the water of the water
Flore has been the municipal water supply in the cornerstone of public health efforts since the mid -twentieth century. While initially praised its role in reducing tooth decay, escalating research proves that this practice poses great risks to cognitive development.
A systematic review published in environmental research revealed a fixed link between exposure to fluoride and reduce the degrees of intelligence in children. Other studies have linked exposure to fluorine water to the symptoms of hyperactivity disorder, lack of attention and decline in executive performance, even at relatively low levels.
Most Western Europe rejected the water, until 2024, about 98 % of the population of Western Europe was drinking insecurity. Their curricula emphasize education, access to fluoride-free oral hygiene products, and food improvements-strategies that avoid potential neurological toxic effects while continuing to treat dental health. ADA’s continuous support for waterfall puts the United States out of the move with international best practices.
The US National Research Council also determined great evidence indicating that the pharaoh water can affect the function of the thyroid gland. It is worth noting that during the fifties of the last century, doctors in Europe and South America used fluoride to reduce the thyroid activity in individuals with hyperplasia.
Clinical research from 1958 indicated that the fluoride dose reaches 2 to 5 mg per day over several months that can suppress the thyroid function. This quantity is well within the scope of al -Floride daily estimated from 1.6 to 6.6 mg for people residing in the spoken areas.1
Fluoride was first added to the water in the 1940s under the misleading belief that eating it was necessary to prevent deduction of teeth. However, research has since showed that the benefits of fluoride are primarily derived from topical, not consumption. As a result, swallowing fluoride is completely necessary.
The continuation of this outdated practice and harmful practice turns attention and resources away from the most effective evidence -based strategies to improve general teeth health.
Treating the use of mineral fillings
ADA’s continuous support for oglastic fillings, which contains about 50 % mercury, is another field that requires urgent reassessment. Mercury is known neurological toxins with long -term health effects, especially for the weak population such as pregnant women, children and individuals who suffer from genetic allergies.
Research conducted by the University of Georgia has shown that individuals who have more than eight of the melble fillings show high levels of mercury in the blood – more than twice the number of people who have no fillings. Health Canada has taken decisive measures for nearly three decades, and it recommended not to use oglastic fillings in high -risk groups.
The global movement to get rid of mercury fillings is now gaining momentum, as the European Union has led the charge. The overall ban of the European Union entered the teeth mix on January 1, 2025. This does not only include the use of the amalgam, but also its manufacture and export. This embargo puts a precedent that makes it very difficult for countries like the United States to justify the continuation of the use of these old and linear materials.
Many other countries have also taken steps to eliminate or restrict the use of mercury. For example:
- The Philippines, New Calleda, St. Kits, Nevis, and Moldova are fully dental.
- Tanzania, Vietnam and Mauritius banned its use in children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
- The Armed Forces in India and the Indian railway, the world’s largest employer, have stopped using a marker, indicating a major cultural and foundation transformation.
These procedures show a global recognition of the risks that mercury raises, not only on individual health but also to the environment.
While private dentists in the United States are increasingly providing mercury -free alternatives, federally funded programs, such as Medicaid services and Indian health services, continue to rely heavily on corrosion, which means that the weak population, including children, pregnant women, who have limited access to health care options, are still not affected by an inconsistent manner.
It is time for the United States to join this global movement, while giving priority to safer and more sustainable materials. The growing list of countries that adopt mercury -free practices emphasizes the feasibility of this transition.
An invitation to take a gradual action
Dentistry should not be present in a vacuum, separate from the wider health concerns. The emerging evidence linking fluoride, mercury and artificial additions to systemic health risks emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach based on evidence. Ada can perform by adopting policies that give priority to safety and comply with the latest scientific research.
- Flura municipal water stopped And defending the prevention strategies of non -Florid caries.
- Make the use of mineral fillings And a hero adopting alternatives free from mercury.
The public’s confidence in the dental profession depends on our collective commitment to innovation, integrity and evidence -based practice. I urge Ada to take these critical steps to enhance a more healthy and more progressive future for teeth and general health.
sincerely,
Dr. Joseph Merkola