On Jan. 7 a report was released on the new fluoride assessments in drinking water to help fight in the prevention of tooth decay. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that new guidelines have been set for the maximum amount of fluoride allowed in drinking water.
Fluoride is a compound found in water. Some communities add fluoride to their drinking water to promote dental health, but too much fluoride may lead to adverse effects.
A child who receives too much fluoride during their formative years may develop a condition called dental fluorosis. Signs of fluorosis include staining of the teeth in white streaks. In severe cases fluorosis results in cracking and tooth discoloration. By age eight a child is no longer susceptible to fluorosis. However, while dental fluorosis can be cured cosmetically by a dentist, a tooth once damaged can never return to its healthy state.
The current recommended amount of fluoride per liter of water is 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams. The Department of Health and Human Services has recommended that it be changed to no more than 0.7 milligrams. This has been recommended based on scientific assessments made by the EPA and HHS to, “balance the benefits of preventing tooth decay while limiting any unwanted health effects”.
Read more about the changes in fluoride content on the EPA site.