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New, or biased, evidence on water fluoridation?
1Department of Dentistry, University of Adelaide, SA.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health
|May 26, 1998
Summary
This paper refutes claims that water fluoridation is harmful, finding it safe and effective for dental health. It addresses concerns about bone health, cancer, and caries reduction, supporting continued public health use.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Dental Science
Background:
- A review by Diesendorf et al. questioned the benefits and safety of water fluoridation.
- The review claimed fluoride damages bone and offers negligible caries reduction when ingested.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine evidence presented by Diesendorf et al. regarding water fluoridation.
- To address specific claims on fluoridation's effects on bone health, cancer, and dental caries.
- To evaluate potential bias in the interpretation of scientific evidence.
Main Methods:
- Re-appraisal of existing studies on water fluoridation.
- Examination of evidence concerning hip fracture and osteosarcoma risks.
- Analysis of fluoride's role in pre-eruptive and posteruptive dental caries reduction.
- Assessment of fluoride ingestion benefits for Australian children.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous examples of bias in the selection and appraisal of evidence by Diesendorf et al.
- Found that water fluoridation remains a safe and effective public health measure.
- Evidence does not support claims of significant harm from water fluoridation.
Conclusions:
- Water fluoridation should be maintained as a safe and effective public health intervention.
- The criticisms of water fluoridation presented by Diesendorf et al. are not supported by a balanced appraisal of the evidence.
- Continued scientific scrutiny supports the public health benefits of water fluoridation.