Fluoridated water primarily serves as a support structure for vulnerable populations who may lack access to consistent dental care and fluoride toothpaste.

In the U.S., the rate of dental fluorosis in adolescents has almost doubled since 1987, prompting health authorities to lower the recommended level of fluoride in water.

Reported health risks like IQ loss are only seen at fluoride exposure levels above the World Health Organization's recommendation, not at the lower levels found in US drinking water.

Many European countries, including Germany, France, and Sweden, do not add fluoride to their water, opting instead to add it to salt and milk.

The benefit of adding fluoride to drinking water has dropped from a 60% cavity reduction historically to a much more modest effect today, largely due to the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste.

Focusing on the fluoride debate may distract from more critical health interventions, like cutting back on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods.

For those wanting to remove fluoride from their water, ConsumerLab.com is recommended as an independent source that has tested a variety of water filters.