Safety, Benefits, and Controversy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent comments on fluoride have sparked questions about its safety and its use in drinking water. While Kennedy claims fluoride is linked to health problems, the scientific evidence suggests otherwise.
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and reduces cavities. It does this by repairing and preventing damage caused by bacteria in the mouth. Tooth decay can be painful and costly to treat, and if left untreated, can lead to further complications.
In 1950, federal officials endorsed water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay. Studies show that community water fluoridation prevents cavities and saves money for families and the healthcare system. It has reduced tooth decay in children and adults by about 25%.
Dr. Naomi Levy Goldman, a cosmetic and restorative dentist, confirms that studies have shown drinking fluoridated water is beneficial for preventing dental decay, especially in young children. She also notes that studies show consuming fluoridated water at recommended levels does not cause neurotoxicity or other adverse effects.
The recommended fluoride concentration in drinking water is 0.7 milligrams per liter, which is about equal to 3 drops in a 55-gallon barrel. In 2015, officials lowered the recommendation to address fluorosis, a condition that can cause discoloration on teeth.
Overall, the addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. The American Dental Association states that 70 years of research, thousands of studies, and the experience of over 210 million Americans show that water fluoridation is effective in preventing cavities and is safe for children and adults.
However, there is some controversy surrounding fluoride. The National Institutes of Health's toxicology program determined that there is a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics questions the validity of this report, and other reviews have come to different conclusions about fluoride's risks and benefits.
U.S. District Judge Edward Chen cited the NIH study in ordering officials to further regulate fluoride in drinking water. He stated that evidence of its potential risk warrants forcing the Environmental Protection Agency to take action.
Critics argue that near-universal adoption of fluoride toothpaste and other dental products eliminates the need for adding fluoride to drinking water. They also point to other countries that have reduced cavity rates without adding it to their water supplies.
The CDC maintains that continued water fluoridation is the most cost-effective method of delivering fluoride to all members of the community, regardless of age, education, or income level.
While the debate continues, the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation in preventing tooth decay.