Safety, Benefits, and Controversy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent comments on fluoride have sparked questions about its safety and use in drinking water. While Kennedy claims fluoride is linked to health problems, experts maintain its benefits in preventing tooth decay outweigh the risks.
# Why Fluoride is Added to Water
Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and reduces cavities. It repairs and prevents damage caused by bacteria that produce acid, which can dissolve tooth enamel and lead to tooth loss.
Tooth decay can be painful and costly to treat. Left untreated, it can cause infections, abscesses, and even sepsis. Poor oral health has also been linked to cardiovascular disease due to inflammation and infection.
To prevent these problems, experts recommend using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water.
# Benefits of Fluoride in Water
In 1950, federal officials endorsed water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay. Studies show that widespread community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay in children and adults by about 25%.
Dr. Naomi Levy Goldman, a cosmetic and restorative dentist, says studies have shown that drinking fluoridated water is beneficial for preventing dental decay, especially in young children.
Dr. Kevin Sands, a board-certified cosmetic dentist, adds that studies consistently show lower cavity rates in communities with fluoridated water. He also emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of water fluoridation in reducing the need for extensive dental treatments.
The CDC recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter of water. In 2015, the recommendation was lowered to address fluorosis, a condition that can cause discoloration on teeth.
# Controversy Surrounding Fluoride
Despite its benefits, fluoride has not gone without controversy.
The National Institutes of Health's toxicology program found a link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in kids. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics questioned the validity of the report, citing other reviews with different conclusions.
U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ordered officials to further regulate fluoride in drinking water, citing the NIH study as evidence of potential risk.
Critics argue that near-universal adoption of fluoride toothpaste and other dental products makes adding fluoride to water unnecessary. They also point to other countries that have reduced cavity rates without water fluoridation.
The CDC maintains that continued water fluoridation is the most cost-effective method of delivering fluoride to all members of the community.
Overall, the addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water is considered by health officials to be one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. While some controversy exists, the benefits of fluoride in preventing tooth decay and improving overall dental health outweigh the risks.