“To my knowledge, while you can buy fluoridated toothpastes and obtain topical treatment in the dentist’s office, there is no practical way to fluoridate one’s water. “
So what? Is the objective to fluoridate the water, or is the objective to help prevent dental caries? If the former — that’s just insane. If the latter, then fluoridated toothpastes and mouthwashes, and topical treatments work just fine.
You have your own calculus of public benefits vs. costs, wherein individual choice seems to count for little. You want to use the political system to impose that calculus on everyone. Apparently, you wouldn’t be too happy if your government decided to medicate you with Lithium, through your drinking water. You’re at least half-way toward understanding the problem.
Couldda sworn I'd previously pointed out that fluoridation, toothpaste and topicals were each responsible for a significant reduction and that virtual elimination of caries required all three.
In other words, toothpaste and topicals are supplemental to, not replacements for, fluoridation.
You keep assuming I'm in favor of unilateral government action. Would you have a problem with putting the issue to a vote? I wouldn't.