Fact check: Were we wrong to put fluoride in drinking water?

1. Summary of the results

The question of whether adding fluoride to drinking water was wrong is more complex than a simple yes/no answer. Scientific evidence strongly supports that water fluoridation has been beneficial, reducing cavity rates by 50-70% in children and 20-40% in adults ^[1]. The practice began in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, showing a 60% reduction in cavity rates ^[2]. Current recommended levels of 0.7 mg/L are considered safe by major health organizations ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements need consideration:

• Recent Legal Developments: A 2020 lawsuit challenged fluoridation based on potential IQ concerns, and a recent federal court ruling suggests the EPA must further regulate fluoride ^{[2] [3]}.
• Scientific Debate: The National Toxicology Program's 2023 draft report found only a 'medium confidence' association between fluoride and slightly lowered IQ, emphasizing that correlation does not equal causation ^[2].
• Socioeconomic Impact: Removing fluoride from water systems would disproportionately harm low-income and marginalized communities by increasing dental health risks ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question "Were we wrong" suggests a binary choice that oversimplifies a complex public health decision. Several stakeholders have different interests in this debate:

• Public Health Organizations: Groups like the American Dental Association benefit from maintaining trust in established health measures and have criticized studies suggesting risks ^[2].
• Anti-fluoride Activists: These groups often spread misinformation that could undermine public trust in health recommendations ^[1].
• Scientific Community: Most scientific experts continue to support water fluoridation, arguing that potential risks are outweighed by proven benefits ^{[1] [3]}.
• Low-income Communities: These groups would be most negatively affected by any decision to remove fluoride, as they often have limited access to alternative dental care ^[1].