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December 19, 2024 — A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Dental Research has reaffirmed the safety of fluoride exposure in early childhood, finding no negative effects on cognitive neurodevelopment. Conducted by Dr. Loc Do and colleagues from The University of Queensland, the research provides robust evidence supporting the use of fluoride as a critical tool in caries prevention.
The study, announced by the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR), focused on whether fluoride exposure in early childhood could influence intelligence quotient (IQ) levels later in life.
Study Design and Findings
Using data from the National Child Oral Health Study (NCOHS) 2012–14, researchers tracked fluoride exposure during the first five years of life through two key metrics:
- Lifetime exposure to fluoridated water (%LEFW)
- Presence of dental fluorosis, a reliable marker of fluoride intake.
Participants, now aged 16–26 years, underwent cognitive assessment using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 4th Edition (WAIS-IV) in 2022–23. The results showed an average full-scale IQ (FSIQ) score of 109.2, with no significant differences between those with high and low fluoride exposure.
Regression analyses confirmed equivalence in FSIQ scores across different fluoride exposure levels. Notably, individuals with 100% lifetime exposure to fluoridated water had slightly higher FSIQ scores compared to those with no exposure, though the difference was statistically insignificant.
Expert Reactions
“The fluoridation of drinking water has been enormously beneficial to oral health over the decades,” said AADOCR President Effie Ioannidou. “This study adds to the wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that fluoride use is not only effective but also safe for public health.”
The findings are expected to strengthen public confidence in fluoride-based caries prevention programs, which have been instrumental in reducing dental decay globally.
Addressing Public Concerns
Amid ongoing debates about potential neurodevelopmental risks of fluoride, this study underscores the importance of rigorous scientific research to inform public health policies. By controlling for socioeconomic and environmental factors, the researchers ensured a robust analysis of fluoride’s effects.
The hypothesis of non-inferiority—the idea that fluoride exposure does not adversely impact cognitive development—was conclusively supported, providing reassurance for communities that rely on water fluoridation to combat dental health disparities.
Future Implications
This comprehensive study is expected to shape future discussions on fluoride use and its role in preventive dentistry. Researchers emphasize the need for continued investigation to address public concerns and further bolster the scientific consensus on fluoride’s safety and efficacy.
Reference
L.G. Do et al., “Early Childhood Exposures to Fluorides and Cognitive Neurodevelopment: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study,” Journal of Dental Research (2024). DOI: 10.1177/00220345241299352
