Water Fluoridation in Relationship to the Prevalence of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Over many years, the prevalence of dental caries has generally declined where the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders has increased. Is there a possible connection to water fluoridation? Is this increase in prevalence due to our ability to diagnose these conditions, or a different environmental factor? This study covers fluoride toxicity, caries prevention, and fluoride’s possible correlation to cognitive impairments utilizing a literature review. Fluoride has undeniably been shown to reduce dental caries but is now considered a developmental neurotoxicant according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. This study found multiple conflicting results for and against fluoride contributing to the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. There is currently insufficient evidence to conclude whether there is a link between water fluoridation and neurodevelopmental disorders. Fluoride’s classification as a developmental neurotoxicant requires us to further research its systemic effects on the human body to thoroughly identify any connections between the rise in developmental disabilities and water fluoridation. Since we already have many communities with an established fluoridated water supply, and many without added fluoride, this subject may be studied using retrospective data comparing statistics of the prevalence of multiple conditions from fluoridated versus non-fluoridated communities. There has been controversy regarding the use of fluoride basically since its implementation to prevent dental caries. More recently in 2014, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published an article that placed fluoride in the same category as lead, as a developmental neurotoxicant. (Grandjean, 2014) It is absolutely crucial that we study this more closely. Thorough research on this topic is vital for the health and safety of our communities which is of the utmost importance. We need to be well informed to make appropriate decisions regarding the use of fluoride, thus confidently easing anxiety regarding the use of fluoride. More data must be collected on this subject to fully understand the implications of fluoridating our public water supplies as this impacts everyone