The dental health benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water have diminished since the introduction of fluoride toothpaste. An UK based study, led by researchers at the Universities of Manchester, Dundee and Aberdeen analyzed 157 published studies from around the world comparing communities using fluoridated water and those without.
The results suggest that the advantages of flouridating water in preventing tooth decay have diminished since the 1970s, when fluoride-containing toothpaste became commonplace. Before this, fluoridation significantly reduced cavities, with studies from 1975 revealing an average decrease in decayed baby teeth per child by 2.1. However, more recent studies estimate a much smaller reduction, around 0.24 fewer decayed baby teeth per child.
Despite the decline, researchers emphasize that water fluoridation still provides benefits and should not be discontinued. The research emphasises the importance of a multi-faceted approach to oral health, consisting of reduced sugar consumption and good dental hygiene practices.
These findings have prompted discussions about re-evaluating the cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits of fluoridation programs. Major health organizations, including the American Dental Association and the CDC, continue to support water fluoridation, stating that it still reduces tooth decay by 25%.
Doctors are encouraged to consider these evolving findings when discussing public health measures for oral health, as the landscape has changed with the widespread use of fluoride-containing products.
