A group of Tennessee lawmakers worried about fluoride's possible ill effects is asking health officials to stop promoting water fluoridation, according to a story by WSMV-TV in Nashville.
A bipartisan group of legislators sent a letter to the state health commissioner last week calling for the state health officials to take a stand, the story said.
Almost 94% of Tennessee residents have fluoridated water.
Public health officials and the ADA have long promoted fluoride as a way of reducing dental caries, but the ADA has advised parents not to reconstitute infant formula with fluoridated water because of the risk of causing enamel fluorosis.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed that the recommended level of fluoride in drinking water be set at the lowest end of the current optimal range to prevent tooth decay, noting that Americans are getting fluoride from a variety of sources.
According to the U.S. surgeon general's 2000 report on oral health in America, "Community water fluoridation is safe and effective in preventing dental caries in both children and adults. Water fluoridation benefits all residents served by community water supplies regardless of their social or economic status."
