Removing fluoride from U.S. public water systems would lead to a 7.5% increase in tooth decay and cost at least $9.8 billion over five years, according to a study published May 30 in the Journal of the American Medical Association Health Forum.. [Becker's Dental & DSO Review]

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in April that he plans to advise the CDC to stop recommending adding fluoride to public water supplies. His comments followed the National Toxicology Program’s report concluding that fluoride exposure above 1.5 milligrams per liter is associated with lower IQ in children. Although the NTP affirmed a lack of evidence for health effects associated with fluoride exposure less than 1.5 milligrams, the study has led to several states and municipalities to end their community water fluoridation programs. 

The JAMA study was conducted by researchers from the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to estimate changes in tooth decay, quality-adjusted life years and the costs associated with fluoride removal. The study used data from more than 8,400 children ages 0-19 from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, including dental utilization, oral health examinations and access to fluoride in public water systems in the U.S.

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