A number of towns and districts across the US and Canada have successfully put an end to the fluoridation of communal water supplies, and the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) is tirelessly working to make that a reality for every community, not just in the US but around the world.

Fluoride is a toxic drug, the dangers of which far outweigh any benefit it might have to your teeth. In fact, any anti-cavity benefit you may reap from fluoride comes from topical application.

It does nothing for your teeth when swallowed, and if you read the fine print on your toothpaste, it clearly tells you not to swallow the toothpaste, and to contact poison control in case of ingestion.

Why? Because it’s toxic.

What Kind of Fluoride Is Added to Your Water?

In Vermont, 57 percent of the state’s residents drink fluoridated water. However, only 43 towns in the state fluoridate their water, and in Rutland County, Rutland City, parts of Rutland Town, Poultney, and Proctor are the only areas adding fluoride.

However, as most other areas, none of these water authorities use pharmaceutical grade fluoride; they use hydrofluosilicic acid—a toxic waste product of the fertilizer industry that is frequently contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins.

This is a key point that many fluoride proponents fail to address when arguing for its use. As noted by the Rutland Herald:¹

“The recent articles and editorials in the Rutland Herald related to fluoride state that those who support the elimination of fluoridation fail to cite credible research to support such an action.

It never asks the pro-fluoridation community to cite their research. Instead the oral health community parade dentists and community health professionals who discuss anecdotal information but offer no solid data.”

Shifting the Burden of Proof to Where It Belongs

Indeed, holding elected officials accountable for procuring proof that the specific fluoridation chemical used actually fulfills fluoride’s health and safety claims and complies with all regulations, laws, and risk assessments required for safe drinking water, has been a successful strategy for halting water fluoridation in a number of areas around the US.

For example, a few years ago a town in Tennessee stopped adding the hydrofluosilicic acid fluoride product they had been using while still keeping its resolution to fluoridate its water supplies intact, meaning they didn’t even take a stand on whether it might be harmful or beneficial.

Since they were unable to find a replacement product compliant with existing laws, regulations, and safe-water requirements, the water remains un-fluoridated.

Getting back to Vermont, the town of Bennington recently voted down a water fluoridation proposal, despite aggressive campaigning by a well-organized and well-funded pro-fluoridation coalition.²