The American Dental Association, in a recently published position statement, says that mothers should be careful not to prepare baby foods with fluoridated water from the tap, as the fluoride contained in it could be bad for developing babies' teeth:

"Recent studies cited in the report of the National Research Council (NRC), Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards, have raised the possibility that infants could receive a greater than optimal amount of fluoride through liquid concentrate or powdered baby formula that has been mixed with water containing fluoride during a time that their developing teeth may be susceptible to enamel fluorosis."

To be sure, the statement adds that fluoride prevents tooth decay, but admits that too much of the stuff is not good and can damage tooth enamel. The association also points out that "fluorosis is not a disease but rather affects the way that teeth look".

The water in the US is heavily fluoridated with fluorosilicic acid, an industrial by-product of phosphate production and there are quite some problems that the toxic mineral brings for human and animal health.

Ireland is one of the few European countries where water is routinely fluoridated in an effort to "stop tooth decay", yet the problem persists. Other EU countries have recognized that adding fluoride causes more problems than it solves and stopped the practice.

Robert Pocock, the spokesman of VOICE of Irish Concern for the Environment, an association which campaigns against water fluoridation, says that fluorosilicic acid is not a pharmaceutical product and  has never been approved by any health regulatory agency in the world, including the US Federal Drug Agency. He adds that the most likely explanation for this is that fluorosilicic acid is an industrial by-product of phosphate production.

The VOICE spokesman also comments on the American Dental Association's change of heart and asks that the Irish government re-consider the practice of fluoridation:

- - -

Flouridated water not to be used in infant formula, says American Dental Association (ADA)

In response to growing alarm at the increase in dental fluorosis, the ADA issued interim guidance on 9th Nov 2006 [1], advising parents to reduce fluoride intake from infant formula.The guidance states that while breast milk is best, ready-to-feed formula (which does not permit fluoride) may also be used and that if liquid or powdered concentrate infant formulas is [sic] the primary source of nutrition, it should be mixed with water that is fluoride-free (or contains low levels of fluoride).