Initially printed within the Properly 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 fashionable science and world greatest practices for public well being.
A Name for Progressive, Proof-Primarily based Practices in Dentistry
The sphere 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 fashionable scientific proof and greatest practices.
Rethink Water Fluoridation
Fluoridation of municipal water provides has been a cornerstone of public well being efforts for the reason that mid-Twentieth century. Whereas initially lauded for its position in lowering dental caries, mounting analysis proves this observe poses vital dangers to cognitive improvement.
A scientific evaluation printed in Environmental Analysis revealed a constant hyperlink between fluoride publicity and diminished IQ scores in youngsters. Different research have linked fluoridated water publicity to ADHD signs and declines in govt 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 world greatest practices.
The U.S. Nationwide Analysis Council has additionally recognized appreciable proof indicating that fluoridated water can have an effect on thyroid operate. 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.
Medical 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 operate. This quantity falls properly inside the estimated day by 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 Nineteen Forties underneath the misguided perception that ingesting it was crucial to stop tooth decay. Nevertheless, analysis has since demonstrated that fluoride’s advantages are primarily derived from topical utility, not consumption. Because of this, swallowing fluoride is totally pointless.
Persevering with this outdated and dangerous observe diverts consideration and sources away from simpler, 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, notably for susceptible populations reminiscent of pregnant ladies, youngsters, 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 almost three a long time in the past, recommending towards using amalgam fillings in high-risk populations.
The worldwide motion to remove 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 troublesome for nations just like the U.S. to justify persevering with using this archaic and unsafe materials.
Quite a few different nations have additionally taken steps to remove or prohibit mercury amalgam use. For instance:
- The Philippines, New Caledonia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Moldova have totally banned dental amalgam.
- Tanzania, Vietnam, and Mauritius have prohibited its use in youngsters, 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 show a world acknowledgment of the hazards posed by mercury, not solely to particular person well being but additionally to the surroundings.
Whereas non-public dentists within the U.S. are more and more providing mercury-free options, federally funded packages, reminiscent of Medicaid and Indian Well being Providers, proceed to rely closely on amalgam, which implies that susceptible populations, together with youngsters, pregnant ladies, and people with restricted entry to healthcare choices, stay disproportionately affected.
It’s time for the U.S. to affix this world motion, prioritizing safer, extra sustainable supplies in dental care. The rising checklist of nations adopting mercury-free practices underscores the feasibility of this transition.
A Name for Progressive Motion
Dentistry mustn’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 strategy. The ADA can lead by embracing insurance policies that prioritize security and align with the most recent 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 depends upon our collective dedication to innovation, integrity, and evidence-based observe. I urge the ADA to take these vital steps towards fostering a more healthy, extra progressive future for dental and general well being.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph Mercola
