Study finds early-life exposure to fluoride does not affect children’s brain development

New research assures effectiveness of water fluoridation programs similar to U.S.

A newly published study from the University of Queensland found that early-life exposure to fluoridation has no measurable effect on cognitive neurodevelopment, or IQ scores, in children. 

Registered psychologists assessed the IQ scores of 357 children who participated in the 2012-14 National Child Oral Health Study to see if their exposure to fluoride as a child impacted their brain development. 

The study found that the participants, now aged 16 to 26, who consistently drank fluoridated water had an IQ score 1.07 points higher on average than those with no exposure. Loc Do, Ph.D., co-author of the study, said factors that could impact the relationship between fluoride and IQ, such as socioeconomic status, were taken into account when determining the results. 

He added that while there are claims water fluoridation can negatively affect children’s neurodevelopment, “these results provide consistent evidence this is not the case.”

“This population-based follow-up study has provided consistent scientific evidence that early-life exposure to fluoride was not negatively associated with cognitive neurodevelopment. The findings, in combination with the current body of knowledge, provide assurance that the currently practiced [water fluoridation] programs are both effective and safe for young children,” the study concludes. 

In Australia, 89% of the population served by community water systems benefit from water fluoridated at 0.6- 1.1 mg/L.  Research from studies such as the National Child Oral Health Study and Environmental Research’s systematic review of water fluoridation in Australia have shown that fluoride decrease the rate of tooth decay by 26-44% in adults and children. 

This new research is currently being reviewed by the National Fluoridation Advisory Committee, the ADA’s standing panel of experts that provide advice about the safety and effectiveness of fluoride. 

The ADA has continually advocated for community water fluoridation, highlighting the mineral’s proven effectiveness in preventing tooth decay. For more than 75 years strong scientific evidence has consistently shown that fluoride is safe and beneficial, according to the ADA.

Jayanth Kumar, D.D.S., former California state dental director and National Fluoridation Advisory Committee member, said the follow-up study provided additional scientific evidence that early-life exposure to fluoride is not negatively associated with brain development. 

“The findings add to the growing body of evidence from more than a dozen studies showing that fluoride concentration relevant to community water fluoridation is safe,” he said. 

For more information on community water fluoridation, visit ADA.org/fluoride.