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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Politics
Jessica Glenza

‘The science of fluoride is starting to evolve’: behind the risks and benefits of the mineral

composite image of man wearing gray suit and black tie speaks while holding up index finger next to water dripping out of faucet
‘Fluoride is the perfect example of helping people without them even having to do anything,’ said Dr Sreenivas Koka, ex-dean of the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s school of dentistry. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

A national conversation about fluoride’s health benefits exploded this fall after a federal toxicology report, court ruling and independent scientific review all called for updated risk-benefit analysis.

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral in some regions, has been added to community water supplies since the mid-20th century when studies found exposure dramatically reduced tooth decay.

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