Water Fluoridation: Examining the Controversy and Potential Neurotoxicity: A Literature Review
Main Article Content
Keywords
Fluoride, Water Fluoridation, Neurotoxicity
Abstract
Water fluoridation, a long-debated public health strategy for preventing dental caries, faces renewed scrutiny due to concerns about fluoride's potential neurotoxicity, particularly in children and pregnant women. Studies have raised concerns about safety, particularly in locations with high fluoride levels, by suggesting that too much fluoride exposure during early childhood may damage neurodevelopment.
Notably, research suggests that fluoride may have an effect on young children's brain development. Studies on animals show that high fluoride exposure causes brain alterations, raising pertinent questions about human health. Epidemiological research produces mixed findings, with some studies suggesting a connection between water fluoridation and neurodevelopmental problems.
Critics argue current safety standards may not protect susceptible populations from neurotoxic effects. Ethical concerns arise as mass medication through water fluoridation occurs without individual consent.
In contrast, proponents highlight water fluoridation's success in preventing dental caries, especially in underserved communities. They assert that dental health benefits outweigh potential neurotoxicity risks.
In conclusion, the water fluoridation-neurotoxicity association remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. While some studies suggest a link, conclusive evidence is lacking, necessitating further research. Balancing potential benefits and risks of water fluoridation while ensuring public health protection is paramount.
Water fluoridation, a widely practiced public health intervention, has been both praised and contested for decades. This literature review delves into water fluoridation's complex landscape, examining its history, ongoing controversies, and potential neurotoxicity from fluoride exposure. The research's primary aim is to provide a comprehensive, balanced evaluation of current knowledge on the subject
References
2. P. Grandjean, “Developmental fluoride neurotoxicity: An updated review,” Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source, vol. 18, no. 1. BioMed Central Ltd., Dec. 19, 2019. doi: 10.1186/s12940-019-0551-x.
3. E. A. Adkins and K. J. Brunst, “Impacts of fluoride neurotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction on cognition and mental health: A literature review,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 24. MDPI, Dec. 01, 2021. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182412884.
4. S. Guth et al., “Toxicity of fluoride: critical evaluation of evidence for human developmental neurotoxicity in epidemiological studies, animal experiments and in vitro analyses,” Archives of Toxicology, vol. 94, no. 5. Springer, pp. 1375–1415, May 01, 2020. doi: 10.1007/s00204-020-02725-2.
5. D. W. Cross and R. J. Carton, “Fluoridation: A Violation of Medical Ethics and Human Rights,” Int J Occup Environ Health, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 24–29, 2003, doi: 10.1179/107735203800328830.
6. Iheozor-Ejiofor et al., “Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries,” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, vol. 2015, no. 6. John Wiley and Sons Ltd, Jun. 18, 2015. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub2.
7. L. O. Bittencourt et al., “Prolonged exposure to high fluoride levels during adolescence to adulthood elicits molecular, morphological, and functional impairments in the hippocampus,” Sci Rep, vol. 13, no. 1, Dec. 2023, doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-38096-8.
8. A. Casaglia, M. A. Cassini, R. Condò, F. Iaculli, and L. Cerroni, “Dietary fluoride intake by children: When to use a fluoride toothpaste?,” Int J Environ Res Public Health, vol. 18, no. 11, Jun. 2021, doi: 10.3390/ijerph18115791.
9. G. H. N. Miranda et al., “A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between fluoride exposure and neurological disorders,” Sci Rep, vol. 11, no. 1, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-99688-w.
10. D. C. Bellinger, “Is Fluoride Potentially Neurotoxic?,” JAMA Pediatr, vol. 173, no. 10, pp. 915–917, Oct. 2019, doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1728.
Article Sidebar
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.