Is Fluoride in Water Still Needed?

You might be using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash already. So, is adding fluoride to drinking water still helpful? Let's find out! A recent study checked over 157 studies. These compared kids in areas with fluoridated water to those without. The result? Before the mid-1970s, when fluoride toothpaste wasn't common, adding fluoride to water reduced decayed teeth by about 2.1 per child. But now, it's different. After 1975, the benefit was much lower. We're talking just 0.24 fewer baby teeth with decay per child. That's like one-quarter of a tooth!

So, should towns stop adding fluoride to water? Not so fast! Experts say we need to consider how things have changed over time. Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash are everywhere now. Some places in the U.S. are already choosing not to add fluoride to water. They're worried about it affecting kids' IQ. Recently, a court said the Environmental Protection Agency should make rules about water fluoridation stronger. Even with these concerns, many health groups still support adding fluoride to water. But they agree that fighting cavities isn't just about fluoride. We also need to cut down on sugary foods and take care of our teeth better.

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