Health: Fluoride In Water Causing Problems, Changes Coming

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Too much of a good thing, that's what federal health officials are saying about fluoride in drinking water. Today they announced they will lower the recommended levels in public drinking supplies.

Fluoride in drinking water is credited with dramatically cutting cavities, heralded as a huge public health success. Now federal health officials say the fluoride is causing spots on children's teeth, and they want to fix that.

25-year-old Dental Assistant Denise Nespoli has spots on her teeth caused by getting too much fluoride as she was growing up in Delaware County.

"It doesn't bother me that much anymore because I'm used to it, but it did bother me," said Denise.

The condition called fluorosis is a growing problem and now affects 41 percent of teens, according to a government study.

"It's bad. I don't like it," said Denise.

The mineral fluoride has been added to public water supplies for almost 50 years. That dramatically reduced tooth decay. And now fluoride is added to toothpaste and other items.

"Certain levels is perfect for reducing cavities or preventing cavities, making a tooth a lot stronger; however, once we reach a certain threshold we do have some white cosmetic spotting of the teeth," said Dr. Michael Suchar, the Director of Dental Medicine at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.

He says fluorosis is usually mild and doesn't affect the functioning of the tooth. He thinks reducing fluoride levels in water will help.

Right now the fluoride limit is between 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams per liter. The government wants to reduce that to 0.7 as the maximum.

"I think that's a good measurement that they're doing," said Keshia Banks, a mother who lives in Philadelphia. She hopes the lower fluoride levels won't be too late for her 12-year-old son. Fluoride only affects permanent teeth as they're developing, not once they've emerged.

Dentists say the best way to prevent fluorosis is to limit fluoride toothpaste for children under age six. The spottiness can usually be effectively treated with bleaching techniques.

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RELATED LINKS:

Fluorosis Information
Check Your Water Company's Fluoride Levels
Fluoride in Water Information
Community Water Fluoridation Questions and Answers
EPA Drinking Water Regulations

Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3