Australian study shows fluoridated water is safe for children

Research out of the University of Queensland (UQ) School of Dentistry has found no link between community water fluoridation and adverse effects on children’s brain development.

The study compared the brain development of children exposed to fluoridated water with those who had not been, taking in a total of 2,682 children, finding no discernible difference said Professor Loc Do from UQ’s School of Dentistry.

The UQ study followed up these children, all of whom participants of Australia’s National Child Oral Health study 2012-2014, when they were aged 12 to 17 years.

“We found emotional and behavioural development, and functions such as memory and self-control, were at least equivalent to those who had no exposure to fluoridated water,” Professor Do said.

“In other words, there was no difference in child development and function related to fluoridated water.

“This finding shows that consuming water with fluoride at levels used for public supplies in Australia is safe and it supports continuing and expanding fluoridation programs.”

While approximately 90% of Australians have access to fluoridated water, this drops to 71% in Queensland with many regional parts of the state and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are not covered by a fluoridation program.

“A small but vocal group of people sometimes claims that water fluoridation can have adverse neurodevelopment effects, especially in young children,” Professor Do said.

“This concern can impact community and public health support for the practice, but our research provides reassurance that it is safe and supports its expansion into more communities.

“This is an important message because fluoride is extremely effective in preventing tooth decay and its use in water and toothpaste is credited with significant improvements in child dental health in Australia.”

For the full story go to UQ News article, "Research shows water fluoridation is safe for children" and for information on fluoride that patients can be directed to, visit Teeth.org.au