# Straight Dope Fail on Fluoride **URL:** \ **Category:** Cecil's Columns/Staff Reports\ **Created:** [September 30, 2010, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537 "2010-09-30T00:00:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![maryi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e19b73/32.png) [@maryi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/maryi)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/1 "2010-09-30T00:00:26Z")
Ironic that a website dedicated to fighting ignorance would be so rank with it. Regarding the Fluoride review - Perhaps Cecil Adams should read Christopher Bryson’s book - The Fluoride Deception (free on google books) which exposes newly declassified government documents outlining in no uncertain terms the very dirty truth about the history behind public water fluoridation & it’s implication in the production of the atomic bomb. Mr. Adams might also want to update his review on fluoride to include the recent warning issued by the FDA against giving fluoridated water to infants & children. He might also find it relevant to include World Health Organization data which demonstrates a decline in dental carries all over the world in countries irregardless of fluoridated water, salts or toothpastes. He might also find it educational to browse the archives of [www.fluoridealert.org](http://www.fluoridealert.org) ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/2 "2010-09-30T00:38:02Z")
Is this the referenced [review](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2692/is-fluoride-in-water-a-good-thing-or-a-danger)? And in what way is it inaccurate? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/3 "2010-09-30T00:45:50Z")
> [@maryi](#): > > He might also find it relevant to include World Health Organization data which demonstrates a decline in dental carries all over the world in countries irregardless of fluoridated water, salts or toothpastes. [A factual misrepresentation](http://www.who.int/oral_health/events/Global_consultation/en/index.html): > [@](#): > > The importance of effective use of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries has been emphasized in World Health Assembly Resolutions (3-5). A WHO Expert Committee Report on fluorides and oral health published in 1994 (6) detailed the scientific evidence available for use of fluoride and the recommendations for its use in public health programmes. The World Oral Health Report (2003) (2) further underlined the need for integrating oral disease prevention with national and community health programmes based on common risk factor approaches, and incorporating fluoride programmes for the prevention of dental caries. > > Dental caries can be prevented by joint action of communities, professionals and individuals aimed at reducing the impact of sugar consumption and emphasizing the beneficial impact of fluoride. In many low- and middle-income countries, however, the number of oral health professionals and access to oral health services are limited. For these reasons professionally applied fluorides have little public health relevance in these countries. Across the world the most important approaches to the effective use of fluorides are automatic fluoridation through water, salt or milk, and self-applied fluoride through use of affordable fluoridated toothpaste (6,7). > > It is anticipated that presently only 20% of the world’s population benefit from the sound knowledge about the caries preventive effect of fluoride. The WHO Oral Health Programme, jointly with the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) and the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), have embarked on an action plan for the promotion of using fluoride, particularly focusing on the disadvantaged and under-served population groups. > > The Global Consultation on “Oral Health through Fluoride” is an essential component of this joint project. ---
**Author:** ![Rico](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rico/32/3582_2.png) [@Rico](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rico)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/4 "2010-09-30T03:58:10Z")
If I see the name Joseph Mercola, DO in a positive light on a website, it instantly marks that site in my mind as a site full of misinformation, quack science, and bad advice. Here’s some of the problems with Mercola and his website and advice: [Linky the first](http://www.quackwatch.com/11Ind/mercola.html) > [@](#): > > In 2005, the FDA ordered Mercola and his Optimal Wellness Center to stop making illegal claims for products sold through his Web site [7]. The claims to which the FDA objected involved three products: > > Living Fuel Rx, claimed to offer an “exceptional countermeasure” against cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, etc. > > Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil, claimed to reduce the risk of heart disease and has beneficial effects against Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and many infectious agents > > Chlorella, claimed to fight cancer and normalize blood pressure. > > In 2006, the FDA sent Mercola and his center a second warning that was based on product labels collected during an inspection at his facility and on claims made on the Optimum Wellness Center Web site [8]. This time the claims to which the FDA objected involve four products: > > Vibrant Health Research Chlorella XP, claimed to “help to virtually eliminate your risk of developing cancer in the future.” > > Fresh Shores Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, claimed to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and degenerative diseases. > > Momentum Health Products Vitamin K2, possibly useful in treating certain kinds of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. > > Momentum Health Products Cardio Essentials Nattokinase NSK-SD, claimed to be “a much safer and effective option than aspirin and other pharmaceutical agents to treating heart disease.” [Linky the second](http://www.skepdic.com/mercola.html) > [@](#): > > No one should fault Mercola for advocating eating a healthy diet and exercising, but his diet is questionable and his opposition to prescription drugs and surgery seems clearly unwarranted in light of the obvious benefits of both. His beliefs about the dangers of microwaved food (that it alters the structure of food and ruins its nutritional value) and his beliefs about EMFs in general are unfounded.\* His promotion of Emotional Freedom Technique is based more on emotion than science.\*…Mercola is one of the leaders of the anti-vaccination movement… [This is the letter sent by the FDA to Mercola telling him to stop marketing his products like “Chlorella” and “Virgin Coconut Oil” as drugs.](http://www.casewatch.org/fdawarning/prod/2005/mercola.shtml) [[H]e opposes immunization and fluoridation, claims that amalgam fillings are toxic, and makes many unsubstantiated recommendations for dietary supplements. Much of his support comes from chiropractors who promote his newsletter from their Web sites.](http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2007/06/please-be-careful-out-there.html) In other words, don’t take anything said on the Web by Mercola as gospel truth. ---
**Author:** ![dzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/5 "2010-09-30T05:23:26Z")
I have to agree with the OP, Cecil really is a slacker as to the research. He seems to think that it’s acceptable, hell, even admirable, to only consider reliable, peer-reviewed sources of empirical data. That is just plain sloppy. How can you claim to have investigated something thoroughly until you have considered EVERY source regardless of how biased, incoherent or simply fraudulent? He acts like the scientific method should be the standard for such things when everyone knows that the TRUE criterion is whether or not the data supports your pre-existing beliefs. If you can’t make up your own truth as you go along, then you’re nothing more than science’s bitch. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/6 "2010-09-30T05:41:38Z")
I rather be science’s bitch than religion’s whore. ---
**Author:** ![dzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/7 "2010-09-30T05:47:02Z")
> [@outlierrn](#): > > I rather be science’s bitch than religion’s whore. Oh come on. You really couldn’t tell that was a joke? The whole bit about considering every source “regardless of how biased, incoherent or simply fraudulent” it might be didn’t give it away? And it’s not like that was the only “clue”. But OK. I’m fessing up now. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/8 "2010-09-30T06:13:26Z")
Dude, I was going along with the joke. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/9 "2010-09-30T11:45:06Z")
I could see that, **outliern** , but since the conspiracy theory is by itself religion-neutral, I can also see why the chosen going-along term may have sounded out-of-place and jarring to the point of confusion to **dzero**. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/10 "2010-09-30T12:49:39Z")
…MUST resist obvious Dr. Strangelove reference… ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/11 "2010-09-30T13:29:22Z")
I have been battling Joseph Mercola for years in my own blog. He’s an all-purpose quack, someone with a false statement on anything and everything that believers can quote without bothering to do any of the heavy work of checking the science. I did a search for fluoride on [Quackwatch](http://www.quackwatch.org/search/webglimpse.cgi?ID=1&query=fluoride&case=&whole=&lines=&errors=&age=&maxfiles=25&maxlines=20&maxchars=3000&filter=&cache=yes&rankby=DEFAULT) for some balance. ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/12 "2010-09-30T13:33:21Z")
> [@maryi](#): > > Ironic that a website dedicated to fighting ignorance would be so rank with it. Regarding the Fluoride review - Perhaps Cecil Adams should read Christopher Bryson’s book - The Fluoride Deception (free on google books) which exposes newly declassified government documents outlining in no uncertain terms the very dirty truth about the history behind public water fluoridation & it’s **implication in the production of the atomic bomb**. Mr. Adams might also want to update his review on fluoride to include the recent warning issued by the FDA against giving fluoridated water to infants & children. He might also find it relevant to include World Health Organization data which demonstrates a decline in dental carries all over the world in countries irregardless of fluoridated water, salts or toothpastes. He might also find it educational to browse the archives of [www.fluoridealert.org](http://www.fluoridealert.org) What do you have against the atomic bomb? Are you some type of Communist? ---
**Author:** ![freckafree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freckafree/32/3050_2.png) [@freckafree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/freckafree)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/13 "2010-09-30T13:48:33Z")
> [@dzero](#): > > The whole bit about considering every source “regardless of how biased, incoherent or simply fraudulent” it might be didn’t give it away? And it’s not like that was the only “clue”. It was the flagrant use of “regardless” that threw us all off. ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/14 "2010-09-30T13:55:28Z")
> [@DrFidelius](#): > > > [@maryi](#): > > > > Ironic that a website dedicated to fighting ignorance would be so rank with it. Regarding the Fluoride review - Perhaps Cecil Adams should read Christopher Bryson’s book - The Fluoride Deception (free on google books) which exposes newly declassified government documents outlining in no uncertain terms the very dirty truth about the history behind public water fluoridation & it’s **implication in the production of the atomic bomb**. Mr. Adams might also want to update his review on fluoride to include the recent warning issued by the FDA against giving fluoridated water to infants & children. He might also find it relevant to include World Health Organization data which demonstrates a decline in dental carries all over the world in countries irregardless of fluoridated water, salts or toothpastes. He might also find it educational to browse the archives of [www.fluoridealert.org](http://www.fluoridealert.org) > > What do you have against the atomic bomb? Are you some type of Communist? This little bit was a puzzler to me. What in heck is the OP talking about? What connection is there between fluoridation and the development of the atomic bomb? ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/15 "2010-09-30T14:00:52Z")
It’s all part of a plot to adulterate our bodily fluids. (well, somebody had to say it) I am almost tempted to read the FREE GOOGLE BOOOK she referenced in the OP, but not really. I have too tall a to-be-read pile as it is without adding another volume of (_initial impression open to reassessment if given further data)_ paranoid woo-woo. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/16 "2010-09-30T14:04:27Z")
Hi, **maryi**. Welcome to the SDMB. Kick off your shoes. Sit a spell. You’re right, the Straight Dope is indeed a website dedicated to fighting ignorance. As such, when you begin a discussion such as this one, folks around here like it when you stick around to actually participate in the discussion. This gives you a chance to back up your assertions with reliable cites, respond to follow-up questions, and generally help give everybody a better understanding of the issue as a whole. Dopers may have a propensity for rather spirited debate, but we’re generally a pretty friendly bunch. We won’t necessarily hold an unpopular viewpoint against you, _if you can back up your claims and hold your own in the argument_. (Hint: a single link to a website of questionable veracity doesn’t cut it.) I bring this up because your first (and so far only) post here looks suspiciously like a hit-and-run. I picture you seeking out various places on the web to pop in and spread your particular agenda, never to be seen there again. Prove me wrong. Come back and argue your position. I guarantee you’ll be regarded more highly here if you do. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/17 "2010-09-30T14:22:34Z")
> [@Gagundathar](#): > > This little bit was a puzzler to me. > What in heck is the OP talking about? > What connection is there between fluoridation and the development of the atomic bomb? [Uranium hexafluoride](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium_hexafluoride). ♪ You’ll wonder where the yellowcake went when you brush your teeth with Pepsident. ♪ ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/18 "2010-09-30T14:31:03Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > > [@Gagundathar](#): > > > > This little bit was a puzzler to me. > > What in heck is the OP talking about? > > What connection is there between fluoridation and the development of the atomic bomb? > > [Uranium hexafluoride](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium_hexafluoride). > > ♪ You’ll wonder where the yellowcake went when you brush your teeth with Pepsident. ♪ heh heh heh Surely you can’t be serious. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/19 "2010-09-30T14:31:55Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > > [@Gagundathar](#): > > > > This little bit was a puzzler to me. > > What in heck is the OP talking about? > > What connection is there between fluoridation and the development of the atomic bomb? > > [Uranium hexafluoride](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranium_hexafluoride). > > ♪ You’ll wonder where the yellowcake went when you brush your teeth with Pepsident. ♪ Also, [look who is behind floridealert.org](http://americanhealthstudies.org/aboutus.html). ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2010, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537/20 "2010-09-30T15:59:44Z")
I misread that and was wondering what was wrong with Florida. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-fail-on-fluoride/555537.md?page=2)