A new study found that community water fluoridation is linked to better cognitive test scores in high school. The study included more than 58,000 students across 1,000 high schools in the U.S., where fluoride levels are carefully regulated to be safe and effective in preventing cavities. Using data from the national High School and Beyond (HS&B:80) cohort, researchers looked at the link between childhood fluoride exposure through drinking water and school performance.

The research split students into three groups:

  • Blue dot: Students who had access to recommended fluoride levels throughout their entire childhood.
  • Orange dot: Students who had access to recommended fluoride levels during some of their childhood.
  • Gray dot: Students who never had access to recommended fluoride levels

This map shows all schools across the U.S. included in the study.

Community water fluoridation and better test scores
Researchers found that students exposed to recommended fluoride levels for some or all of their childhood performed better on math, reading and vocabulary tests. To confirm these results were truly linked to fluoride exposure, the study accounted for a wide range of social, economic and political factors and still found that community water fluoridation was linked to better academic performance.

Of the original 58,270 students, 26,820 were followed into adulthood. At age 60, there were no differences in cognitive performance between the groups. This supports the finding that community water fluoridation does not harm the brain and instead supports healthy development during childhood.

Supporting community water fluoridation
This study supports what thousands of others have found. That adding a small amount of fluoride to our water is a safe and effective way to prevent cavities. Children with poor oral health are three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain. By preventing cavities through community water fluoridation, students can stay in school and keep learning.

To support community water fluoridation in Wisconsin, click here to sign on to our statement!

Written by:
Kasia Wiech, MS
Program Coordinator