By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A Harvard study models the consequences of removing fluoride from US water, predicting a substantial increase in childhood tooth decay. Over five years, this would lead to an estimated 25.4 million additional decayed teeth in children and teens, incurring at least $9.8 billion in added dental costs. These figures rise to 53.8 million decayed teeth and $19.4 billion in costs after a decade. The analysis, published in JAMA Health Forum, utilized national health data to project these significant impacts on oral health and healthcare expenditure.
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RFK Jr.’s proposed fluoride ban is a significant concern, potentially impacting the oral health of millions of children. The projected cost of treating the resulting increase in cavities is staggering, estimated at a whopping $9.8 billion over a five-year period. This translates to a substantial burden on families, many of whom may already be struggling financially.
This massive cost isn’t simply a hypothetical figure; it represents the actual financial strain on families forced to pay for extensive dental work. The burden will fall disproportionately on low-income families, who often lack access to affordable dental care. The increased demand for dental services would likely overwhelm the existing system, leading to longer wait times and potential delays in critical treatment.
The argument that removing fluoride will save money by eliminating water fluoridation costs is misleading. The savings from halting water fluoridation are minuscule compared to the massive expense of treating preventable cavities. It’s a false economy; avoiding a small upfront cost to drastically increase a much larger downstream cost isn’t fiscally responsible.
Some argue that the $9.8 billion figure represents a transfer of wealth, benefiting the dental industry at the expense of families. This perspective suggests that dentists would profit from the increased demand for cavity fillings and other dental procedures. This scenario paints a disturbing picture of prioritizing profit over the well-being of children.
It’s also important to consider the long-term consequences of untreated cavities. Untreated tooth decay can lead to severe pain, infections, and even the loss of teeth. These problems can have long-lasting impacts on a child’s health, impacting their ability to eat properly, impacting their overall health and potentially leading to other health complications later in life. The impact of poor oral health on overall health is often underestimated.
The claim that this ban is somehow a “win” ignores the very real suffering and financial hardship it will inflict on millions of children and their families. This is not a victory for anyone but those who stand to profit from increased dental procedures, while the true cost is borne by struggling families.
The projected $9.8 billion cost is a conservative estimate, focusing solely on direct dental expenses. It doesn’t account for lost productivity due to dental issues, additional medical expenses arising from complications, or the long-term health consequences of poor oral hygiene. The true cost could far exceed this initial projection.
The lack of universal or affordable dental insurance in the United States exacerbates the problem significantly. Many families will struggle to afford the necessary dental care, leading to more severe dental problems and potentially increased health risks. The current system puts families in a position of choosing between essential expenses and dental care, forcing many to make difficult choices with potentially devastating consequences.
There’s also a broader issue of public health at stake here. Fluoridation of water has been a proven and effective way to prevent tooth decay for decades. Reversing this successful public health measure is short-sighted and potentially disastrous for the oral health of the population, particularly for children.
It is crucial to recognize that advocating for such a policy is not merely a policy disagreement; it’s a direct threat to children’s well-being. The potential consequences, both financially and health-wise, are profoundly severe and should not be taken lightly. The decision to remove fluoride would be a substantial setback for public health, significantly impacting the oral health and potentially the overall health of millions of children across the nation.