A new peer-reviewed study published March 9, 2022 adds to the growing evidence about fluoride’s potential effects on the developing brain.
Fluoride is commonly added to community drinking water and table salt to help prevent dental caries. But as its use is widespread, questions remain about the balance of benefits and risks, especially during pregnancy.
I often say it’s easier to repair a tooth than a brain. Fluoride is not a cure-all: dental cavities remain common and are still the most prevalent preventable childhood disease.
Because fluoride is so widespread and can cross the placenta and the blood-brain barrier to reach the fetal brain (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2003), researchers have focused on the safety of prenatal exposure. Studies have examined both areas with naturally high fluoride levels and communities that use water fluoridation programs (for example, research by Jiménez et al., 2017; Green et al., 2019; and Bashash et al., 2017).
Link to the study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.112993
🎧 Episode #52: Is brushing after lunch a good thing?
Listen to this week’s podcast episode on your preferred platform to learn more about timing and technique for brushing and how oral care ties into overall health.
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Have a great week,
P.S. I’m currently using Bristle Health’s saliva test to get an oral microbiome report. If you’re interested, you can find their service and use the code ASKTHEDENTIST15 for 15% off.