Rural areas tend to be socioeconomically disadvantaged, while also not being connected to a municipal water (it’s more economical to have your own well in rural areas).
Just because those people don’t have access to fluoridated water does not mean the solution is to then take away fluoridated water from the poor who do live in areas with municipal water.
You’re right it’s more expensive and the logistics are worse, but at the same time you could inculcate better habits in your population, and even subsidize proper mouth rinses.
The minute that’s successfully done across the country, I would be in favor of removing fluoride from water, but only after all economically disadvantaged have that better option in place, and they are adequately educated with better habits to utilize it. I think you’ll find that it is much easier said than done.
I would suggest trying to start a grass roots movement to lower dental healthcare costs in the US to be closer to EU levels, as well as push for those subsidized fluoride rinses you mentioned. It’ll be a long road, but it has to start somewhere, and you seem passionate enough about the subject to lead the charge.
Rural areas tend to be socioeconomically disadvantaged, while also not being connected to a municipal water (it’s more economical to have your own well in rural areas).
Just because those people don’t have access to fluoridated water does not mean the solution is to then take away fluoridated water from the poor who do live in areas with municipal water.
The minute that’s successfully done across the country, I would be in favor of removing fluoride from water, but only after all economically disadvantaged have that better option in place, and they are adequately educated with better habits to utilize it. I think you’ll find that it is much easier said than done.
Everyone on this argument seems to be posting a rather religious position and rationalizing backwards.
Europe has vastly better dental health in every possible way, without flouridation.
It’s not working, cut the shit.
I would suggest trying to start a grass roots movement to lower dental healthcare costs in the US to be closer to EU levels, as well as push for those subsidized fluoride rinses you mentioned. It’ll be a long road, but it has to start somewhere, and you seem passionate enough about the subject to lead the charge.
I mean, my solution is just to leave the US, which worked for me.
It’s not just lowering dental costs btw, but you’re right, taking money out of dentistry would probably give the most improvement to medical outcomes.