THE BELGIAN FLUORIDE STORY
Recently the world press reported widely on the
Belgian Minister of Health's controversial remarks and legislation about
fluoride supplements. Dr Stefaan Hanson of
Belgium has kindly submitted the following article which conveys the facts of
the matter. It makes very interesting reading! 1.
The facts. During
July 2002 the Belgian Health Ministry issued a ban on fluoride supplements such
as fluoride tablets, fluoride drops and fluoride chewing gum, hitherto
available without prescription. The royal decree was published on August 1st
2002. 2. The press. The Government's press release and ensuing
interviews shocked the public and specifically the profession, because of the
non-scientific references to fluoride toxicity. The prohibition was "only
the first step to curb fluoride intake", according to the Administration,
and Minister Aelvoet confirmed from her vacation spot that other actions would
follow. Toothpaste was not included in the ban, because it is regulated by the
EU -not because the Ministry acknowledged its effectiveness in preventing tooth
decay. "In these cases, a harmonisation within the European Union is of
course desirable but I can't always wait until the European Union is
ready" says Mrs. Aelvoet. Television, radio and newspapers reported that
the ban included fluoridated toothpaste. 3.
Reactions. Feelings ran high. The ban was issued without
previous consultation with the academic or professional dental world.
Universities and dental associations reacted swiftly, both in the media and to
the Minister and her administration. Objections have not been against the
content of the law -control of fluoride intake was only to be welcomed -but the
bungled communication was unacceptable. The impression was given that
fluoridated toothpaste severely damages health. The anti- fluoride-lobby took
advantage and used this disinformation in a variety of articles. Dutch, German and UK television channels reported
on the Belgian fluoride ban. The Administration, in the absence of Minister
Aelvoet, tried to rectify the situation. The FDI World Dental Federation and the Dental
Liaison Committee contacted us with a request for information and offered
assistance. 4. Setting things right. On her return from vacation, Mrs. Aelvoet was
visibly perturbed by the negative effects of her failing communication, and
urgently invited a delegation from the Belgian Dental profession for talks. The
delegation met with the Minister on August 21st. Thanks to the accurate
arguments of the university professors and the ample scientific information
provided by the FDI, the Minister was soon convinced of the gravity of the
situation. A press release followed which provided explicit information about
what the fluoride ban exactly amounted to (i. e. food supplements), and stated
unequivocally that fluoridated toothpaste was effective against
tooth decay without being harmful. She also pointed out to parents of young
children that toothpaste was not meant to be eaten. 5. Conclusion. Currently in Belgium, fluoridated toothpaste is
available as before while fluoride supplements (drops, tablets and gum) are not
any longer sold over the counter but require a doctor's or dentist's
prescription. This strategy allows for effective overall caries prevention,
while at the same time prevents excess intake in individual fluoride
programmes. 5. Epilogue. Magda Aelvoet resigned as Minister of Health on
August 25th. The immediate cause was a controversial approval of a weapons
export to Nepal. As Vice Prime Minister she was closely involved, and this
provoked problems in her (green) political party. In reviews of her
accomplishments the fluoride-slip is generally referred to as very negative. Stefaan Hanson, Executive Director VVT (Flemish
Dental Association) stefaan.hanson@vvt.be The FDI is proud to have been able to assist our
Belgian colleagues in dealing effectively with this issue, through the
efficient support of the FDI Science Manager, Professor Asbj0rn Jokstad . Member Associations are reminded that scientific
support is available from the FDI Science Manager. Please feel free to contact
him at: science@fdiworldental.ora
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