Too much fluoride might lower IQ in kids?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential impact of fluoride on children's IQ, referencing a Vox article that questions the necessity of fluoride in drinking water versus its application in toothpaste. Participants highlight that fluoridated water contributes to fluoridated saliva, which is beneficial for dental health. The conversation also touches on the rejection of water fluoridation in many European countries and the cultural differences in attitudes toward fluoride use. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards the idea that while toothpaste is beneficial, water fluoridation serves as an important public health measure.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluoride's role in dental health
  • Knowledge of public health policies regarding water fluoridation
  • Familiarity with the debate surrounding fluoride's effects on cognitive development
  • Awareness of cultural differences in health practices, particularly in Europe and the U.S.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of fluoride on cognitive development in children
  • Investigate public health policies on water fluoridation in various countries
  • Explore alternatives to water fluoridation for dental health
  • Examine the historical context and public opinion surrounding fluoride use in the U.S. and Europe
USEFUL FOR

Public health officials, dental health professionals, parents concerned about fluoride exposure, and researchers studying the effects of environmental factors on cognitive development.

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I just read some of that article. That makes me wonder, would just using fluoride in toothpaste be enough? Should the fluoride really need to be drank in the water? I would think the superfical exposure to be what is necessary; yes or no?
 
If the Voxsplainers told me my mother loved me, I would want to check it out.
 
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symbolipoint said:
That makes me wonder, would just using fluoride in toothpaste be enough?
I think the underlying assumption is that some segments of the population don't reliably use toothpaste. Adding it to water is a bit of insurance.
 
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symbolipoint said:
would just using fluoride in toothpaste be enough?
Fluoridated water makes fluoridated saliva. Unless you brush your teeth 1000x per day, this is an advantage.
 
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symbolipoint said:
I just read some of that article. That makes me wonder, would just using fluoride in toothpaste be enough? Should the fluoride really need to be drank in the water? I would think the superfical exposure to be what is necessary; yes or no?
Bad teeth or bad brain, seems like a bit of Sophie's choice.
Reminds of when the consensus in 2020 was that alcohol 'killed' or at least rendered SARS-CoV-2 not viable.
So, if we kept a certain level of alcohol in our system all the time we gain some protection?
It was tongue in cheek, it was a strange time.
Fresh 42 replied, "Unless you are considering gargling with Bourbon every 15 minutes that would probably not work."
The man had a point.
 
According to wiki, only 2% of europeans have fluoridated municipal water, and most of that is in the UK. (ref)

wiki said:
Many European countries have rejected water fluoridation, including: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Scotland, Iceland, and Italy. A 2003 survey of over 500 Europeans from 16 countries concluded that "the vast majority of people opposed water fluoridation".

Sounds like a 'U.S.' centric topic.
Anyways, I recall being involved in a 'fluoride' conversation in the past:

PF: Portlandia has struck again: fluoride in water

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The mayor of Portland, Ore., has conceded defeat in an effort to add fluoride to the city's drinking water.

hmmm.... Maybe that's why I'm so smart! For most of my life I've drank non-fluoridated water.
 
OmCheeto said:
Maybe that's why I'm so smart! For most of my life I've drank non-fluoridated water.
Smart, maybe. Grammatical, no

“Have” is the helping verb for the present perfect tense, and we form the present perfect by using have/has + the past participle. The past participle of drink is drunk. So we always say have drunk, never “have drank.”

grammar-police-badge-SMALL.jpg
 
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I have drunk the Kool-Aid, and therefore will die.
I drank the Kool-Aid, and therefore will die.
I did drink the Kool-Aid, and therefore will die.

Ok. I think I've got it, for now.

Yesterday, I couldn't remember if I had eaten diner or dinner, even though up until the 10th of last month I always got it right.
I'm monitoring my descent into senility by keeping a diary.

I actually vacillated over whether or not to use "That's why I used to be so smart..." in my above post. I look at my posts from years ago and no longer recognize that person.
 
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OmCheeto said:
I'm monitoring my descent into senility by keeping a diary.
I've given up on that --- too depressing.
 
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Thread cleaned up and closed.
 

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