The American Dental Association has reaffirmed its support for community water fluoridation in response to the EPA’s decision to review fluoride safety, citing decades of evidence and calling for science-driven policymaking.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has reiterated its support for community water fluoridation following an announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that it will review the health impacts of fluoride using new scientific information. The EPA’s decision follows a court ruling influenced by a report from the National Toxicology Program (NTP) that found a potential link between high levels of fluoride exposure (>1.5 mg/L) and reduced IQ in children.
The ADA noted that the NTP report focused on fluoride levels higher than those used in U.S. public water systems, where the optimal level is 0.7 mg/L. The association pointed to the report’s own clarification that its findings do not apply to U.S. or Canadian fluoridation practices.
ADA Criticizes Misinformation
“The growing distrust of credible, time-tested, evidence-based science is disheartening. The myths that fluoridated water is harmful and no longer necessary to prevent dental disease is troublesome and reminds me of fictional plots from old movies like Dr. Strangelove,” said Brett Kessler, DDS, president of the American Dental Association. “When government officials, like Secretary Kennedy, stand behind the commentary of misinformation and distrust peer-reviewed research it is injurious to public health. Let’s stop the rhetoric and comprehensively study fluoride at the optimal level once and for all.”
Evidence from Global Studies
Kessler emphasized the need for new research that reflects real-world conditions and fluoridation levels. He cited recent international studies, including one from the University of Queensland, which found no measurable effects on children’s neurodevelopment or IQ at fluoride levels comparable to those in the U.S.
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“If we want to do what is truly healthy for all Americans, policymakers need to review the relevant research with fluoridation levels similar to our country, like Australia, that demonstrate fluoride does not negatively impact IQ levels,” said Kessler. “The ADA relies on evidence-based research to improve the oral health of the public and stands ready to advance gold medal standards in any future studies on water fluoridation.”
ADA Stands by Longstanding Policy
The ADA reiterated its longstanding position that community water fluoridation is a proven method of preventing dental decay. The organization also expressed readiness to collaborate with the EPA in developing high-quality, comprehensive studies to examine the safety and efficacy of fluoridation.
“As dentists, we see the direct consequences fluoride removal has on our patients and it’s a real tragedy when policymakers’ decisions hurt vulnerable kids and adults in the long term,” Kessler added. “Blindly calling for a ban on fluoridated water hurts people, costs money, and will ultimately harm our economy. We see on a daily basis the benefits of fluoride, from both drinking fluoridated water and topically in products like fluoride toothpaste and other dental products, so we know the need for both exists. We are confident that any new studies will show us this is true.”
Continued Recommendation for Fluoridation
The ADA continues to recommend optimally fluoridated water, regular tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and a balanced diet low in added sugars as key components of oral health.
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