The American Dental Hygienists Association reaffirmed its support for community water fluoridation following a recent report from the National Toxicology Program linking higher fluoride exposure to lower IQs in children.
The NTP report is mostly based on epidemiology studies in non-U.S. countries where some pregnant women, infants and children received total fluoride exposure amounts higher than 1.5 mg fluoride per liter of drinking water, which is the current safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization.
The report concluded there is "moderate confidence" in the scientific evidence showing an association between higher levels of fluoride and lower IQ in children.
The ADHA is continuing to back low fluoride levels for caries prevention, stating Sept. 10 that the U.S. Public Health Service's current recommended level of 0.7 milligrams/liter of fluoride concentration in drinking water is safe and effective at reducing the risk of tooth decay.
The ADHA's statement joins several other organizations that have spoken out in favor of fluoride use in light of the NTP report. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics also reiterated their support for water fluoridation.