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Does fluoride used to prevent tooth decay cause intellectual disabilities in children?

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural element found in seawater, seafood, tea, and many foods in compound form. Fluoride has been used for approximately 60 years to prevent tooth decay. It can be applied in various ways to prevent decay. Fluoridation of drinking water, salts, or milk before teeth emerge helps form a more decay-resistant enamel by bonding with calcium in tooth enamel. In developing countries, systemic fluoride through fluoridated drinking water is a public health measure to protect against chronic decay, especially in childhood. However, current scientific research shows that regular use of fluoride toothpaste and fluoride varnishes is more effective than systemic applications in preventing decay. These methods help keep fluoride in the mouth longer, strengthen enamel, halt the progression of initial cavities, and inhibit the survival of decay-causing bacteria.

Fluoride in Toothpaste and Varnish

Fluoride in toothpaste, along with fluoride varnish applied by dentists, has been shown to be highly effective in protecting children at high risk of decay. However, fluoride varnishes vary, and a pediatric dentist should determine the appropriate varnish for each child based on their dental condition.

Recently, there have been misconceptions about fluoride’s negative effects on children’s health, particularly on intelligence. High doses of fluoride have known adverse effects on developing teeth and the digestive system, especially in areas with excessively high fluoride levels in drinking water. These misconceptions often stem from studies conducted in regions like China and India with high fluoride concentrations. These misleading beliefs can prevent high-risk children from accessing preventive treatments.

A 2022 study, published in a reputable scientific journal, reviewed all scientific research on fluoride’s impact on children’s intelligence and found that normal fluoride levels do not cause mental disorders in children.

(Do LG, Spencer AJ, Sawyer A, Jones A, Leary S, Roberts R, Ha DH. Early Childhood Exposures to Fluorides and Child Behavioral Development and Executive Function: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study. Journal of Dental Research. 2022 Oct 9:00220345221119431.)

Moreover, fluoride varnishes used by pediatric dentists, which pose no swallowing risk, are a safer and often more cost-effective option compared to fillings or extractions. They can effectively stop the progression of early cavities and are beneficial both for the child’s comfort and for families financially.

Understanding accurate information from reliable sources helps prevent potential harm from misinformation. Consult a pediatric dentist to determine the appropriate fluoride application for your child before cavities develop, protecting them from the pain, fear, and loss associated with dental decay.

For any questions or consultations, our team is here to assist you.

Prof. Dr. Ayça Tuba Ulusoy

Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry

Yummy Teeth Pediatric & Adolescent

Oral and Dental Health Clinic

Atakum/Samsun

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