- In an open letter, I urge the American Dental Affiliation to discontinue supporting water fluoridation, based mostly on analysis linking fluoride publicity to lowered IQ scores, ADHD signs and thyroid dysfunction
- Most Western European nations have rejected water fluoridation in favor of training, fluoride-free merchandise and dietary enhancements to deal with dental well being issues
- I name for the elimination of mercury amalgam fillings, as analysis reveals elevated blood mercury ranges in sufferers with a number of amalgam fillings
- The European Union applied a complete ban on dental amalgam in January 2025, whereas many different international locations have restricted or banned its use, significantly for susceptible populations
- Regardless of international shifts towards safer options, U.S. federal applications like Medicaid proceed utilizing amalgam fillings, disproportionately affecting susceptible populations with restricted well being care choices
Initially printed within the Nicely Being Journal, March/April 2025 version, my open letter addresses the American Dental Affiliation (ADA) with an pressing attraction to reform two long-standing practices in U.S. dentistry: water fluoridation and the continued use of mercury amalgam fillings. With mounting proof linking each to systemic well being issues, I’m calling on the ADA to align its insurance policies with trendy science and international greatest practices for public well being.
A Name for Progressive, Proof-Primarily based Practices in Dentistry
The sector of dentistry has lengthy been on the forefront of preventive care, with developments which have improved the standard of life for numerous people. Nevertheless, mounting analysis challenges among the foundational practices nonetheless endorsed by the ADA. As stewards of public well being, it’s incumbent upon the ADA to reassess these insurance policies and align with trendy scientific proof and greatest practices.
Rethink Water Fluoridation
Fluoridation of municipal water provides has been a cornerstone of public well being efforts because the mid-Twentieth century. Whereas initially lauded for its position in lowering dental caries, mounting analysis proves this apply poses important dangers to cognitive improvement.
A scientific assessment printed in Environmental Analysis revealed a constant hyperlink between fluoride publicity and lowered IQ scores in kids. Different research have linked fluoridated water publicity to ADHD signs and declines in government functioning, even at comparatively low ranges.
Most of Western Europe have rejected water fluoridation, and as of 2024, roughly 98% of the Western European inhabitants was ingesting non-fluoridated water. Their approaches emphasize training, entry to fluoride-free oral hygiene merchandise, and dietary enhancements — methods that keep away from the potential neurotoxic results of fluoride whereas nonetheless addressing dental well being. The ADA’s continued endorsement of water fluoridation locations the U.S. out of step with international greatest practices.
The U.S. Nationwide Analysis Council has additionally recognized appreciable proof indicating that fluoridated water can have an effect on thyroid perform. Notably, in the course of the Nineteen Fifties, physicians in Europe and South America used fluoride therapeutically to decrease thyroid exercise in people with hyperthyroidism.
Scientific analysis from 1958 indicated {that a} fluoride dose as little as 2 to five mg per day over a number of months can suppress thyroid perform. This quantity falls effectively throughout the estimated each day fluoride consumption vary of 1.6 to six.6 mg for folks residing in fluoridated areas.1
Fluoride was first added to water within the Forties underneath the misguided perception that ingesting it was obligatory to stop tooth decay. Nevertheless, analysis has since demonstrated that fluoride’s advantages are primarily derived from topical software, not consumption. Consequently, swallowing fluoride is totally pointless.
Persevering with this outdated and dangerous apply diverts consideration and sources away from more practical, evidence-based methods for enhancing public dental well being.
Addressing the Use of Amalgam Fillings
The ADA’s ongoing help for amalgam fillings, which comprise roughly 50% mercury, is one other space requiring pressing reevaluation. Mercury is a recognized neurotoxin with far-reaching well being implications, significantly for susceptible populations reminiscent of pregnant ladies, kids, and people with genetic susceptibilities.
Analysis from the College of Georgia has proven that people with greater than eight amalgam fillings exhibit considerably elevated blood mercury ranges — greater than twice as excessive as these with none fillings. Well being Canada took decisive motion practically three many years in the past, recommending in opposition to using amalgam fillings in high-risk populations.
The worldwide motion to eradicate mercury amalgam fillings is now gaining momentum, with the European Union main the cost. The EU’s complete ban on dental amalgam took impact on January 1, 2025. This contains not solely using amalgam but additionally its manufacture and export. This ban units a precedent that makes it extremely tough for international locations just like the U.S. to justify persevering with using this archaic and unsafe materials.
Quite a few different international locations have additionally taken steps to eradicate or prohibit mercury amalgam use. For instance:
- The Philippines, New Caledonia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Moldova have absolutely banned dental amalgam.
- Tanzania, Vietnam, and Mauritius have prohibited its use in kids, pregnant ladies, and breastfeeding moms.
- India’s Armed Forces and Indian Railways, the world’s largest employer, have stopped utilizing amalgam, signaling a big cultural and institutional shift.
These actions display a world acknowledgment of the risks posed by mercury, not solely to particular person well being but additionally to the atmosphere.
Whereas non-public dentists within the U.S. are more and more providing mercury-free options, federally funded applications, reminiscent of Medicaid and Indian Well being Providers, proceed to rely closely on amalgam, which implies that susceptible populations, together with kids, pregnant ladies, and people with restricted entry to healthcare choices, stay disproportionately affected.
It’s time for the U.S. to affix this international motion, prioritizing safer, extra sustainable supplies in dental care. The rising listing of nations adopting mercury-free practices underscores the feasibility of this transition.
A Name for Progressive Motion
Dentistry shouldn’t exist in a vacuum, separate from broader well being issues. Rising proof linking fluoride, mercury, and synthetic components to systemic well being dangers underscores the necessity for a extra holistic, evidence-based method. The ADA can lead by embracing insurance policies that prioritize security and align with the newest scientific analysis.
- Discontinue help for municipal water fluoridation and advocate for non-fluoride-based caries prevention methods.
- Section out using amalgam fillings and champion the adoption of mercury-free options.
Public belief within the dental occupation relies on our collective dedication to innovation, integrity, and evidence-based apply. I urge the ADA to take these essential steps towards fostering a more healthy, extra progressive future for dental and general well being.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph Mercola