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Thursday

This photo shows a close-up of a water faucet with a stray drop of water dripping from it.

Most water systems in the U.S. have fluoride added to help protect residents' teeth. Some research raises concerns that, at high enough levels, fluoride may be linked to lower IQs in kids. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Shots - Health News

Fluoride analysis triggers renewed debate over what levels are safe for kids

A new study suggests a link between high levels of fluoride and lowered IQ. It's heating up arguments over fluoridating drinking water, which dentists say is critical for protecting teeth.

New research adds to debate over fluoride in drinking water

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Wednesday

Why put fluoride in the water? Scientists weigh in

Adding fluoride to the U.S. drinking water has long been considered one of greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Still, debate continues about its worth. Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images hide caption

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Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

Short Wave

Why put fluoride in the water? Scientists weigh in

Fluoridating the public water supply has been common practice for nearly 80 years in the U.S. It's an acclaimed public health intervention that helps prevent cavities. For just as long, some have raised concerns about the practice that can veer from evidence-based to unsubstantiated conspiracy. An analysis by government researchers, published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics, is adding to the debate. The research found that exposing babies and kids to high levels of fluoride might be associated with neurodevelopmental harm. Frankly, it's a lot to digest — so we invited health correspondent Pien Huang onto the show to wade through the debate.

Why put fluoride in the water? Scientists weigh in

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Tuesday

From Ozempic to bird flu: Here are the biggest health stories of 2024

Just this month, California declared a state of emergency due to rising cases of bird flu in dairy cattle. BeritK/Getty Images hide caption

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BeritK/Getty Images

Short Wave

From Ozempic to bird flu: Here are the biggest health stories of 2024

2024 was full of science news. There was a total solar eclipse, the Paris Olympics, elections in the United States and elsewhere, technological breakthroughs and many space launches. But perhaps above all, it was a huge year in health. So, today, we're talking through some of 2024's biggest health stories — from what's in our drinking water supply, to bird flu, obesity drugs and this year's record heat. They're also the stories we think will continue to be big in 2025. See you in the new year, Short Wavers!

From Ozempic to bird flu: Here are the biggest health stories of 2024

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Friday

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo speaks before a bill signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Nov. 18, 2021, in Brandon, Fla. DeSantis signed a bill banning vaccine mandates for public sector employees and school districts.

Florida's surgeon general, Joseph Ladapo, recommended Friday that local jurisdictions stop adding fluoride to drinking water. He is pictured here at a bill signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Nov. 18, 2021, in Brandon, Fla. The bill banned vaccine mandates for public sector employees and school districts. Chris O'Meara/AP hide caption

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Chris O'Meara/AP

Shots - Health News

Florida health official advises communities to stop adding fluoride to drinking water

WUSF 89.7

Florida's surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, cited developmental concerns from higher levels of fluoride than are found in most U.S. water supplies.

FL fluoridation

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Thursday

Saturday

A town employee quietly lowered the fluoride in water for years

A pickup rolls through downtown Richmond, Vt., on Wednesday. A town employee is under fire for lowering fluoride in the drinking water below the state's recommended level. Wilson Ring/AP hide caption

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Wilson Ring/AP

National

A town employee quietly lowered the fluoride in water for years

Residents of a small Vermont community were blindsided by news that a water department official lowered fluoride levels nearly four years ago, giving rise to worries about children's dental health.

Monday

Can Maternal Fluoride Consumption During Pregnancy Lower Children's Intelligence?

A study conducted in six Canadian cities found a link between maternal consumption of fluoride during pregnancy and intelligence of their offspring. vitapix/Getty Images hide caption

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vitapix/Getty Images

Shots - Health News

Can Maternal Fluoride Consumption During Pregnancy Lower Children's Intelligence?

A Canadian study suggests that fluoride consumed by pregnant women can affect the IQ of their children. No single study provides definitive answers, but the findings will no doubt stir debate.

Can Maternal Fluoride Consumption During Pregnancy Lower Children's Intelligence?

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Monday

No-Drill Dentistry: Fluoride Treatments Can Prevent Cavities In Adults
Vidhya Nagarajan for NPR

Shots - Health News

No-Drill Dentistry: Fluoride Treatments Can Prevent Cavities In Adults

If the whir of a drill as it bores into a molar terrifies you, we have some good news. Dentists have better ways to prevent cavities in adults with fluoride treatments most commonly used on kids.

No-Drill Dentistry: Fluoride Treatments Can Prevent Cavities In Adults

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Monday

Feds Say It's Time To Cut Back On Fluoride In Drinking Water
iStockphoto

Shots - Health News

Feds Say It's Time To Cut Back On Fluoride In Drinking Water

Excess fluoride consumption is leading to tiny white marks on many people's teeth. It's mainly a cosmetic problem, but one that could be solved by lowering the fluoride in drinking water.

Feds Say It's Time To Cut Back On Fluoride In Drinking Water

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Wednesday

Wednesday

Portland, Ore., Becomes Latest Fluoride Battleground

Demonstrator China Starshine holds up signs outside of City Hall in Portland last week. Ross William Hamilton/The Oregonian/AP hide caption

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Ross William Hamilton/The Oregonian/AP

Shots - Health News

Portland, Ore., Becomes Latest Fluoride Battleground

OPB

Portland, Ore., is the largest American city not to add fluoride to its drinking water. Activists have been vocal, for and against a proposal to change that. The science shows that fears of side effects from small amounts of fluoride to protect teeth are unfounded.

Portland, Ore., Becomes Latest Fluoride Battleground

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