🥼🦷💧 What happened when Calgary removed fluoride from its water supply

🤖 AI Summary

🗓️ Historical Context: 🦷 Fluoride was initially added to drinking water in the 1940s after 👨‍⚕️ dentists observed that people with naturally high fluoride levels had teeth resistant to decay [00:39].
🗣️ Arguments Against Fluoridation:
- 🗣️ RFK Jr. argues that fluoride is unnecessary due to the prevalence of 🪥 fluoridated toothpaste and 💦 mouthwashes [01:37].
- 🧠 He also cites studies linking fluoride to 📉 IQ loss [01:46].
🧪 Counterarguments:
- 💧 Research indicates that fluoridated water provides additional benefits beyond 🪥 toothpaste [02:15].
- 🤔 The link between fluoridation and 📉 IQ loss is not definitively established at the levels used in community water systems [02:31].
🇨🇦 Calgary Case Study:
- 📅 In 2011, Calgary stopped fluoridating its water, leading to a 🔬 study on the impacts [02:52].
- 📊 The study revealed a significant increase in 🦷 tooth decay among children in Calgary compared to Edmonton, which continued fluoridation. Specifically, after Calgary stopped fluoridation, 65% of children experienced 🦷 tooth decay, compared to 55% in Edmonton, where fluoridation continued [03:53] [04:03].
- ✅ A decade later, voters in Calgary opted to reintroduce fluoride [04:03].
🌍 Broader Implications: 🤝 The decision to fluoridate water involves a larger discussion about public support and 💰 resources for ensuring good 🦷 oral and 💪 overall health [05:26].