A recent study on fluoride’s effects outside the United States has reignited the debate over its use in tap water. Mary Beth Giacona, an assistant professor of pediatric dentistry at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, argues that concerns raised by this study are unnecessary.
Giacona explains that fluoride is added to water supplies to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. “Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth metabolize carbohydrates and secrete acids that create holes (cavities) in teeth,” she states. Fluoride helps by chemically binding to enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
The discussion often references studies conducted outside the U.S., where naturally high levels of fluoride are present. Giacona points out that these levels are much higher than those used in American water supplies, which are fluoridated at a maximum of 0.7 parts per million (ppm), lower than the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 1.5 ppm.
Critics have linked fluoridated water to lower IQs and neurological disorders based on these foreign studies. However, experts from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention question these findings due to their low-quality evidence.
To ensure safety, scientists and public health officials have determined an optimal level of fluoride for U.S. water supplies. This level prevents tooth decay without causing issues like fluorosis, a condition resulting from excessive fluoride intake during tooth formation.
Water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 20% to 40%, according to Giacona. In New Jersey, where only 16% of residents have access to fluoridated water, children show higher rates of untreated tooth decay compared to national averages.
Stopping water fluoridation could lead to increased dental problems, particularly among low-income children, burdening healthcare systems with additional costs. At about $1 per person annually, water fluoridation remains a cost-effective measure for preventing tooth decay across all socioeconomic groups.
Giacona concludes that “water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay,” echoing the CDC’s recognition of it as one of the top public health achievements of the 20th century.
