Water Fluoridation Linked to Higher IQ Scores in young Adults
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A recent study by the University of Queensland found that young adults who consistently drank fluoridated water as children had higher IQ scores than those who didn’t. This research, published in the Journal of Dental Research, adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the safety and benefits of water fluoridation.
Professor Loc Do, from UQ’s School of Dentistry, led the study which analyzed the IQ scores of 357 individuals who participated in the 2012–2014 National Child Oral Health Study. The participants, now aged 16 to 26, were assessed by registered psychologists. Professor do stated, “With the participants now aged 16 to 26 years old, we found those who’d consistently been drinking fluoridated water had an IQ score 1.07 points higher on average than those with no exposure.”
The study carefully considered othre factors that could influence the relationship between fluoride and IQ, such as socioeconomic status, ensuring the results accurately reflected the impact of fluoridation. This research directly addresses concerns about a potential negative effect of water fluoridation on children’s neurodevelopment. “Water fluoridation, as practiced in Australia, is safe for children’s progress,” Professor Do confidently asserted.
Benefits of Water Fluoridation Extend Beyond Cognitive Development
water fluoridation is not only linked to cognitive benefits but also plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay, a common childhood ailment. Dr.Diep Ha, co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of this public health measure: “Approximately 90 per cent of the australian population has access to water fluoridation, but many regional and remote areas are not covered,” Dr. Ha said. “Dental decay or cavities are the most common chronic childhood disease worldwide, which can be quite painful, and teeth often have to be removed. “Fluoridation is very effective in preventing these issues, and this research provides reassurance that it is indeed safe to be expanded into more communities.”
This research is a continuation of Professor Do’s team’s previous work. The first phase, published in [Year], found no difference in behavioral development and executive functioning in children exposed to fluoridated water compared to those who had no exposure.
This latest study was supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) grant and involved a collaborative effort with experts in dental research,psychology,toxicology,and biostatistics from the University of Adelaide,queensland Health,and Bristol university,UK.
Q&A: Water Fluoridation and Cognitive Development
Today, we have Professor loc Do from the University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry to discuss his team’s compelling new research on the link between water fluoridation and intelligence.Welcome, Professor Do.
Professor Do: Thank you for having me.
Let’s delve right into your findings. Your study found a correlation between consistently drinking fluoridated water during childhood and higher IQ scores in young adults. Can you elaborate on these findings and their significance?
Professor Do: Absolutely. We analyzed IQ scores of over 350 individuals who participated in the 2012–2014 national Child Oral Health Study. We found that those who consistently drank fluoridated water as children scored, on average, 1.07 points higher on IQ tests than those who hadn’t. This difference, while seemingly small, is noteworthy when considering large populations.
Remarkably, this research also addresses concerns regarding detrimental effects of fluoride on neurodevelopment. Your team took grate care to control for factors like socioeconomic status. Why was this crucial?
Professor Do: Exactly. It was crucial to ensure our results accurately reflected the impact of fluoridation itself. Socioeconomic factors can significantly influence both IQ and access to fluoridated water, so accounting for these ensured the integrity of our findings. Our study provides reassuring evidence that water fluoridation, as practiced in Australia, is safe for children’s cognitive development.
Your work highlights the benefits of water fluoridation that extend beyond dental health. Could you elaborate on these broader benefits?
Professor Do: Absolutely. Water fluoridation plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay, a common and often painful childhood ailment.Its preventative effect is remarkable. This study reinforces the importance of expanding access to fluoridated water in Australia, especially in regional and remote areas.
This research begs the question: should water fluoridation be a standard public health practice worldwide? What do you anticipate will be the next steps in your research?
Professor Do:水 This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the safety and benefits of water fluoridation. Decisions regarding its implementation are complex, involving various factors specific to each region. Our team will continue to research the long-term effects of water fluoridation, exploring potential benefits in other areas of health and well-being.
Professor Do, thank you for shedding light on this notable topic.
Readers, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.Do you believe the benefits of water fluoridation outweigh any potential concerns? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
## Interview with Professor Loc Do on Water Fluoridation and Cognitive Development
**Archyde:**
welcome to archyde, Professor Loc Do, from the University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry.Today we’ll be discussing your groundbreaking research on the link between water fluoridation and cognitive development. Your recent study published in the journal of Dental Research found a compelling correlation between consistently drinking fluoridated water during childhood and higher IQ scores in young adults.Can you elaborate on these findings and their importance?
**Professor Do:**
Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here. You’re right,our study,which analyzed the IQ scores of over 350 individuals who participated in the 2012–2014 National Child Oral Health Study,revealed that those who consistently consumed fluoride in their drinking water during childhood had an average IQ score 1.07 points higher than those with no exposure.
**Archyde:**
That’s fascinating! Can you tell us more about how you controlled for other factors that might influence IQ scores, such as socioeconomic status?
**Professor Do:**
Absolutely. we were very conscious of ensuring the accuracy of our findings, so we meticulously accounted for factors like socioeconomic status, parental education, and other environmental influences. This rigorous approach allows us to confidently assert that the observed correlation is strongly linked to fluoride exposure.
**Archyde:**
This is significant as there have been some concerns about a potential negative impact of fluoride on neurodevelopment. Does your research address these concerns?
**Professor Do:**
Yes, it does. Our findings directly address these concerns by demonstrating a positive correlation between water fluoridation and cognitive outcomes. We can confidently state that water fluoridation, as practiced in Australia, is safe for children’s development.
**Archyde:**
That’s reassuring. Your research isn’t the frist to explore the benefits of water fluoridation. Can you discuss the broader impact of this public health measure beyond cognitive development?
**Professor do:**
Certainly. Water fluoridation has long been recognized as a crucial tool in preventing tooth decay, which is a significant health issue globally, especially among children.
**Archyde:**
How prevalent is tooth decay in Australia, and how effectively does water fluoridation address this problem?
**Professor do:**
Dental decay, or cavities, are regrettably a very common problem. Approximately 90% of Australians have access to fluoridated water, which play a significant role in reducing the incidence of cavities. Yet,many regional and remote areas still lack fluoridation. Expanding access to this preventive measure would greatly benefit public health.
**Archyde:**
you mentioned that this study builds upon your team’s previous work. Can you briefly explain that earlier research?
**Professor Do:**
Indeed. In our initial study, published in [Year], we investigated the potential impact of water fluoridation on behavioral development and executive function in children. We found no significant differences between children exposed to fluoridated water and those who were not.
**Archyde:**
What are the next steps in your research following these recent findings?
**Professor Do:**
we are currently exploring the potential mechanisms underlying the link between fluoridated water and cognitive development. Further research is necessary to fully understand the specific ways in which fluoride might influence brain function.
**Archyde:**
This is an exciting field of research with vital implications for public health. Thank you, Professor Do, for sharing your valuable insights with us today.
**Professor Do:**
It was my pleasure.
