Fluoridating public drinking water has always been a rather contentious practice and continues to be, as many countries still do fluoridate despite much opposition.

Those in favour of fluoridating the water supply say that doing so reduces cavity rates among children, especially those in poverty stricken areas who do not have the means to brush their teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride or have regular dental check-ups.

The American Dental Association calls water fluoridation “one of the safest and most beneficial, cost-effective public health measures for preventing; controlling; and, in some cases, reversing tooth decay.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “In some developed countries, the health and economic benefits of fluoridation may be small, but particularly important in deprived areas, where water fluoridation may be a key factor in reducing inequalities in dental health.”

Several European countries say that cavity rates have remained the same or declined after ceasing fluoridation in water supplies.

Those opposed to putting fluoride in the drinking water argue that fluoridation is not effective enough to justify the costs; that dosages cannot be controlled, and that fluoridation may result in serious health problems. Various scientific studies have shown that fluoride is carcinogenic and can cause serious bone cancer, especially in young boys.

Fluoride in the drinking water can also lead to dental fluorosis, which causes bright white spotting on the tooth surface in children. When fluoride occurs naturally above recommended concentration levels, it can also result in skeletal fluorosis (which causes pain and damage to the joints) and weakened bones.

Countries that still put fluoride in their drinking water include the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, some countries in Africa, and a few others.

If you live in a country that fluoridates its water and are anti fluoridation, the easiest method of removing it from your drinking water is to invest in a water cooler. Bottled water coolers generally dispense filtered water or even spring water, and mains water coolers can be fitted with a water filter that will remove all toxins, including fluoride from the water.