Until recently, fluoride probably wasn’t something most people gave much thought to. It has been added to public water supplies since the 1940s to prevent cavities and has long been considered a significant public health achievement. But recent headlines are casting a shadow over its safety, sparking confusion and concern among the public.
In early 2025, a large review of studies linked high fluoride exposure to lower IQs in children. Shortly afterward, some states moved to ban fluoride from public drinking water. The FDA even announced it would remove prescription fluoride supplements from the market. These developments have many wondering whether this once-lauded mineral might now pose health risks.
Fluoride’s newly controversial status isn’t entirely new. Concerns have circulated for decades, mostly from activists warning about potential dangers. But these warnings gained momentum recently, amplified by political figures and changes in health leadership. Some have labeled fluoride as harmful, citing links to various health conditions claims that are not supported by the broader body of scientific research.
This sudden shift in public perception has real consequences. Many people are now seeking out fluoride-free toothpaste and refusing fluoride treatments at dental offices. Often, this is based more on fear than understanding. Public reaction to alarming headlines can be strong, even when the underlying science is more nuanced.
At the core of the debate is the question of dosage. Like many substances, fluoride’s effects depend on how much a person is exposed to. In the past, the recommended levels of fluoride in water were higher. Today, health authorities consider 0.7 milligrams per liter to be optimal. The World Health Organization recommends a slightly higher threshold of 1.5 mg/L.
The recent review in question found a strong correlation between fluoride concentrations above 1.5 mg/L and lower IQ scores in children. However, the connection was less clear at levels below this threshold. That’s largely due to the lack of data there weren’t enough studies measuring low-level water fluoride exposure to detect a reliable trend. Measuring fluoride in urine, which includes all sources of exposure like toothpaste and certain beverages, offers more data, but also more complexity.
Another study from 2024 reported similar findings. Exposure above 1.5 mg/L was consistently associated with lower IQ in children, but there wasn’t enough evidence to say if low levels in drinking water posed a similar risk. Nearly 12 million Americans drink water that naturally contains fluoride above the 0.7 mg/L recommendation, which is cause for concern. Yet no major national efforts are underway to reduce these levels.
For most adults, fluoride is not a health risk. Studies have not shown harmful effects at the levels commonly found in public water. Children are also generally safe, as long as fluoride levels remain within recommended limits. Still, there are two situations that may warrant further attention.
First, if your household uses well water or lives in an area with naturally high fluoride levels, it’s wise to test your water. If fluoride levels exceed 2 mg/L, the EPA requires notification from water suppliers. State-certified labs can test well water, and filters are available to reduce fluoride levels if needed.
Second, parents using tap water to mix infant formula may consider using fluoride-free alternatives, such as distilled or purified water, to avoid excessive fluoride exposure in early infancy. Breastfed infants are not at risk, as fluoride in breast milk is extremely low.
Ultimately, while fluoride at high doses can be concerning, the evidence does not support a general fear of fluoridated water. Maintaining perspective and focusing on scientifically grounded guidance remains key.
