The widespread use of toothpaste and mouthwashes with added fluoride in recent decades appears to have diminished the known public health benefits of water fluoridation, a new study suggests.
Hundreds of U.S. communities, from Amery, Wisconsin, to Union County, North Carolina, are opting out of water fluoridation.
Still, she noted, “contemporary studies are showing that water fluoridation is beneficial.”Before fluoride toothpastes were widely available to consumers, adding the mineral to water provided a clear benefit to teeth.
Fast-forward to 2024: About 75% of the U.S. population has tap water with added fluoride at recommended levels of 0.7 milligrams per liter of water.
“Water fluoridation is still effective at reducing cavities,” he said.
Persons:
“, ”, Anne, Marie Glenny, That’s, ” Glenny, Johnny Johnson, Janet Clarkson, Clark
Organizations:
University of Manchester, U.S . Environmental, Agency, Cochrane, American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control, Society, University of Dundee
Locations:
United Kingdom, U.S, Amery , Wisconsin, Union County , North Carolina, California, Australia, Grand Rapids , Michigan, Scotland