: What The Fluoride-IQ Debate Tells Us About Public Health

Eighty Years Of Conflicting Data: What The Fluoride-IQ Debate Tells Us About Public Health

Nicole FisherContributor 

Healthcare

Person at a tap, filling a glass of water.

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Since the 1700s the scientific method has been the primary process for experimentation used to explore observations and answer questions. But whether we’re talking about significant breakthroughs in public health like John Snow’s discovery of public drinking water as the source in London’s 1854 cholera outbreak or never-ending contradictory publications claiming which diet is healthiest, it is clear controversy is an inherent part of public health.

At the time of John Snow’s cholera breakthrough, miasma theory (or belief that disease is spread through foul-smelling, dirty air) was the norm. Thus, Snow was ignored by many and even mocked for believing that bacteria in water could be the real source of disease. And sadly, it wasn’t until after his death that his theory was scientifically validated and broadly accepted...........

........What the publication itself means for the ongoing debate however, is important. It’s entry into the public arena ultimately indicates that there is still a great need to understand the impact that fluoride has on the human body – particularly during development no matter where it comes from. It also signals that the science community sees the importance of transparency and public debate. And this is good news. Open and honest discussion not only holds researchers more accountable for the quality of their work, but also helps keep the public informed of ever-changing information.

What this publication does not signal is that parents have a strong reason to panic. There is ample motivation to get informed, be more aware, and to seek additional information with an open mind – as well as a healthy bit of skepticism. Just because we have a new data point in the public health arena doesn’t mean the way things are is wrong. But it does suggest that we don’t have it 100% right. The best thing we can all do is be sure that we’re seeking out quality information, and that we’re doing everything in our power – including, perhaps, consuming less fluoride – until we know more.