A recent US study linking higher fluoride exposure to lower IQ in children has sparked renewed debate about the safety and efficacy of fluoride. While some scientists criticize the study's methods, others emphasize the mineral's proven dental benefits. Public health officials in Singapore are addressing concerns and clarifying the safety of fluoride levels in the country's water supply. This article delves into the science surrounding fluoride, debunks common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of safe practices.
Concerns over fluoride usage have recently surfaced following a controversial US study published in January that linked higher fluoride exposure levels to lower IQ in children. The study, published in the Journal Of The American Medical Association Paediatrics, sparked immediate pushback from the scientific community, with some scientists criticizing its methods and defending the mineral's well-established dental benefits.
The debate surrounding fluoride has reached Singapore, prompting Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung to address the US study and public concerns on Facebook on January 30th.Dr. Liau Chen Hong, a dental surgeon at Raffles Dental, explained to AsiaOne that fluoride is a mineral naturally present in small quantities in food and is also available in supplement form. In dentistry, it plays a crucial role in inhibiting and reversing the development of dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay. Its primary application lies in dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), fluoride is added to the water supply of many countries, including Singapore, through a process called water fluoridation. This practice aims to enhance the dental health of the population. Singapore has been implementing water fluoridation since 1957, as noted by the National water agency (PUB) on its website.This renewed debate surrounding fluoride stems from a confluence of factors, including common misconceptions about the mineral and a lack of contextual understanding. Experts interviewed by AsiaOne, including Dr. Liau, highlighted common misconceptions that fluoride can cause cancer and lower intelligence. Regarding the former, Dr. Eunice Foo from Q&M Dental Surgery, stated that while some studies indicate potential genotoxicity (harmful substances damaging genetic information in cells) at high concentrations, no conclusive link has been established between high fluoride intake and an increased risk of human cancer. Dr. Sharon Tan and Dr. Felicia Sundram, chairpersons of the Singapore Dental Association's Dental Public Health Committee, emphasized the need for context when interpreting studies on fluoride in a column published in The Straits Times earlier this month. They pointed out that the January study found a correlation between fluoride exposure and IQ scores only in areas where the concentration exceeded 1.5mg per litre. This level is significantly higher than the recommended levels set by global health authorities. According to PUB, the current fluoride levels in Singapore's water supply remain below 0.7mg per litre, which is considerably lower than the 1.5mg per litre maximum recommended by the World Health Organisation.
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