Why is us water fluoridated

Excessive fluoride causes fluorosis—changes in tooth enamel that range from barely noticeable white spots to staining and pitting.

Perhaps most worrisome is preliminary research in laboratory animals suggesting that high levels of fluoride may be toxic to brain and nerve cells. And human epidemiological studies have identified possible links to learning, memory, and cognition deficits, though most of these studies have focused on populations with fluoride exposures higher than those typically provided by U. Comments by Philippe Grandjean, adjunct professor of environmental health, Harvard T.

Chan School of Public Health:. But do we need to add it to drinking water so it gets into the bloodstream and potentially into the brain? To answer this, we must establish three research priorities. In particular, we need basic research on animals that would help us understand the mechanisms by which fluoride may be toxic to the developing brain. If these individuals are at risk, their water must come from a source that is lower in fluoride.

Nicole Davis is a science writer and communications consultant specializing in biomedicine and biotechnology. She holds a PhD in genetics from Harvard University. Skip to content Fall Spring Most dental fluorosis in the United States—more than 90 percent—occurs in its mildest form, as barely noticeable white spots on the tooth surface. To balance the known benefits of fluoridation against the possibility of developing dental fluorosis, the US Public Health Service in updated the recommended optimal level of fluoride in drinking water external icon for the prevention of tooth decay.

The revised recommendation for the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water was adjusted to 0. Visit a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

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