Few public figures bring controversy to otherwise mundane subjects more than Joe Rogan, host of the chart-topping podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, claiming 14.9 million subscribers. A recently released episode of his show touched on a subject most people would flee from had it come up in conversation at a party, lest they be hemorrhaged by boredom: municipal tap water. More specifically the use of fluoride in the vast majority of America’s drinking water.
In the podcast, released early September on his exclusive platform Spotify, Rogan questioned the need, and even the motive behind the use of fluoride in the general public’s main source of hydration. “There’s some real disputes about fluoride in the water” the ex-Fear Factor host remarked “Exposure to fluoride lowers your IQ… it literally makes you dumber. How much better is it than brushing your teeth? We’re forcing people to take care of their teeth and everybody else is going to lose IQ points?”
While he couches these statements with his customary “I’m not entirely informed on the matter” disclaimer, he brings up an issue that’s controversy spans decades.
For years fluoride in water has been igniting debates and inquiries into its efficacy, safety, and ethical implications. Dating back to the mid-20th century, the practice of adding fluoride to public water supplies aimed to enhance dental health, but its controversial nature raises serious questions concerning health risks, ethical considerations, and the overall effectiveness of this intervention.
Several studies have investigated the relationship between fluoride exposure, primarily from drinking water, and cognitive function or intelligence quotient (IQ). Worldwide research, and particularly studies conducted in regions with higher naturally occurring fluoride levels in water, has suggested a potential association between elevated fluoride exposure and lower IQ scores in children.
Within the realm of water treatment, proponents of fluoridation emphasize its potential to significantly reduce dental cavities and tooth decay, particularly in children. Esteemed organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the World Health Organization support it. But critics voice concerns regarding potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to elevated fluoride levels. Skepticism persists concerning the link between excess fluoride intake and health problems such as skeletal fluorosis, prompting a reevaluation of recommended fluoride levels for water treatment processes.
The debate surrounding water fluoridation hinges on a complex weighing of benefits and potential drawbacks. Critics argue that the practice of fluoridating water, despite its intended dental benefits, raises valid concerns regarding individual autonomy and consent. Adding fluoride to a communal water supply essentially amounts to a forced medical intervention affecting everyone, regardless of age, health condition, or informed choice. The lack of personalized dosage and potential overexposure, especially for vulnerable groups like infants and the elderly, is a worrisome aspect. Moreover, considering the availability of alternative fluoride sources such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, some question the necessity of a mass fluoridation approach. As research suggests potential links between fluoride exposure and cognitive health issues, skeptics emphasize the need for a cautious approach. In weighing these factors, they argue for a reconsideration of water fluoridation, advocating for individual agency, informed consent, and a tailored approach to dental health that respects individual rights and minimizes potential health risks.
As Rogan asks: Can’t you just clean your teeth?
Sources: The Joe Rogan Experience (contains explicit language),
Harvard.edu, PubMed, NIDCR.gov
