A dentist’s perspective on common claims about fluoride – Dental Economics

Claim: Water fluoridation was part of a conspiracy to “zap the vigor of the American people.”

This one is comical. The theory that fluoride was added to the water supply to reduce vigor is a common but unsubstantiated conspiracy theory not backed by any notable research.

The decision to add fluoride to drinking water was based on scientific research conducted in the early 20th century showing significantly lower rates of tooth decay in areas with naturally high fluoride levels in drinking water. Since 1945, the ADA and CDC have endorsed water fluoridation as a safe and effective public-health measure for reducing cavities across all age groups.⁸

Claim: Removing fluoride from water would improve Americans’ health.

My main issue here is that this claim overlooks the widespread public-health benefits associated with water fluoridation. The CDC has called water fluoridation one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century because of its role in reducing tooth decay by an estimated 25% in both children and adults.⁹ Studies have shown that communities that cease water fluoridation experience a rise in dental cavities. For example, a 2018 study published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology found an increase in tooth decay in children in Calgary, Canada, following the city’s decision to stop water fluoridation.¹⁰

Final thoughts

The arguments against water fluoridation presented in all four of these claims are largely unsupported by past/current scientific evidence. Low levels of fluoride in drinking water have been shown to provide significant public-health benefits, particularly in reducing dental cavities.

Studies consistently indicate that these levels do not pose a risk to IQ, increase cancer risk, or cause adverse effects on bones, thyroid function, or the pineal gland. Based on extensive research, leading health organizations such as the CDC, WHO, ADA, and American Academy of Pediatrics continue to support water fluoridation as a safe, efficient, and cost-effective public-health measure. Ultimately, you do not need fluoride in your drinking water, but if consumed, it is perfectly safe.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in DE Weekend, the newsletter that will elevate your Sunday mornings with practical and innovative practice management and clinical content from experts across the field. Subscribe here.

References

1. Timeline for Community Water Fluoridation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/timeline-for-community-water-fluoridation/index.html.
2. Iheozor-Ejiofor Z, Worthington HV, Walsh T, et al. Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(6):CD010856. Published 2015 Jun 18. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub2
3. National Research Council. 2006. Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11571
4. Kim FM, Hayes C, Williams PL, et al. An assessment of bone fluoride and osteosarcoma. J Dent Res. 2011;90(10):1171-1176. doi:10.1177/0022034511418828
5. Community water fluoridation frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.html
6. Foley, M. Fluoridation and hypothyroidism–a commentary on Peckham et al. Br Dent J.219, 429–431 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2015.841
7. Fluoride in drinking water. Background document for development of WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality. World Health Organization. 2004. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/wash-documents/wash-chemicals/fluoride-background-document.pdf
8. Fluoridation facts. American Dental Association. https://ebusiness.ada.org/Assets/Docs/S795.pdf
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Ten Great Public Health Achievements — United States, 1900-1999.” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, vol. 48, no. 12, 1999.
10. McLaren L, Singhal S. Does cessation of community water fluoridation lead to an increase in tooth decay? A systematic review of published studies. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2016;70:934-940.