Bill Osmunson, DDS, MPH
2014 INTERVIEW WITH BILL OSMUNSON, DDS, MPH
Dr. Osmunson explains why he stopped supporting water fluoridation
Former Fluoridation Proponent
Dr. Osmunson has an intimate understanding of both sides of the water fluoridation issue because he himself actively promoted fluoridation from 1978 until around 2000, giving talks, and supporting fluoridation in panel discussions.
He says, “One of my patients urged me to read the scientific studies for myself. It took me perhaps 5 years of intense study before I had the courage and confidence to speak up in public against fluoridation of public water.
Proponents Have Not Actually Read Both Sides
“I should be the last one to criticize anyone for promoting fluoridation because I promoted it for around 25 years. However, I had not previously read both sides of the research for myself.”
“I am confident that most dentists and other medical professionals who still promote fluoridation have not actually read both sides of the literature for themselves.”
Without Clear Benefits, Any Risk or Cost is Unacceptable
Dr. Osmunson explains, “The FDA CDER reviewed the research on water fluoridation and found the studies lacked evidence of effectiveness. Many studies indicate no lifetime benefit from water fluoridation.”
[Editor’s note: FDA CDER is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.]
“There are no prospective randomised controlled trials, the gold standard of research studies, on fluoridation safety, exposure, or efficacy, and no studies which actually used the fluoridation chemicals frequently added to water.”
“Communities have stopped fluoridation with no increase in dental decay. It appears any benefit of fluoride is from topical application and not from ingested fluoride. Without clear significant lifetime benefits from fluoridation, any risk or expense is unacceptable.”
Even Mild Dental Fluorosis is Expensive to Repair
Dr. Osmunson says, it is “not uncommon to have patients receive gorgeous porcelain veneers to, in part, correct their dental fluorosis (white and brown damage from too much ingested fluoride).
Costs for cosmetic repair of mild dental fluorosis range from several hundred dollars to well over $25,000, and the teeth will need to be retreated every 10 to 20 years, for lifetime costs which may exceed $100,000 per person.”
“With over 40% of children in the United States having visible dental fluorosis, the true costs for cosmetic damage to teeth alone is substantial. Certainly, for financial reasons, most will not seek treatment, but the public liability for damage is significant.
Public Health dentists seldom provide cosmetic dentistry and therefore underrate the increased dental damage from fluoridation.”
Brains are More Important than Teeth
Dr. Osmunson says, “The numerous human studies suggesting neurological damage, including several IQ points drop, are of most concern. The brain is a terrible thing to waste. The question is not whether fluoridation reduces IQ, but at what age and how much. Dental caries can be treated, but medical disorders such as lower IQ are not treatable. Would you rather lower IQ or risk of half a dental filling?”
Source: Sonoma County Gazette (10/01/2014)
1. Dr. Bill Osmunson at the Clean Water California Rally in San Francisco, March 22, 2014 (13:58 min).
2 . VIDEO: Bill Osmunson, DDS, MPH in the FAN video Professional Perspectives: Fluoride in Tapwater. Running time 5:17 minutes
VIDEO: FLUORURO EN AGUA – Dr. Bill Osmunson (Subtítulos en español)
READ DR. OSMUNSON’S REASONS FOR FLUORIDE-FREE WATER: Powerpoint: Clean Water is Fluoride Free by Bill OsmunsonDDS, MPH.
HEAR BOTH SIDES AT THE 2013 SANTA ROSA FORUM ON FLUORIDATION WITH DR. BILL OSMUNSON (2 part video)
Bill Osmunson, DDS, MPH is a practicing dentist, and the founding director of the Institute of Comprehensive Dental Studies for Aesthetic Dentistry, Neuromuscular and Craniofacial Pain. Dr. Osmunson is West Coast spokesman for Fluoride Action Network (FAN), and an advisor of Clean Water Sonoma-Marin.