Childhood cavity rates in Europe are about the same as in the United States despite Europe lacking water fluoridation.
"fluoride does not actually help uh, with childhood cavity rates. So we see that in Europe. The cavity rate is about the same as it is here in the US and they don't have fluoride in the water." (said at 0:51:37)
The claim that fluoride does not reduce childhood cavity rates is contradicted by extensive dental literature and systematic reviews. The speaker points to similar cavity rates between Europe and the United States to argue fluoride is ineffective; however, European nations achieved dramatic declines in childhood caries primarily through other fluoride delivery methods, most notably widespread use of fluoridated toothpaste and fluoridated salt, rather than water fluoridation alone. Comprehensive systematic reviews confirm that fluoride in various forms (including fluoridated water, toothpastes, and topical applications) significantly prevents and reduces dental caries.
- contradicts: Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. (The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2024)
"Community water fluoridation (CWF) is currently practised in about 25 countries; health authorities consider it to be a key strategy for preventing dental caries." (abstract, background, passage verified)
pubmedfull study (doi) - contradicts: Changing trends in dental caries. (International journal of epidemiology 1984)
"The decline in caries is associated with the widespread availability of fluoride toothpaste, changes in the pattern and quantity of sugar consumption and possibly with the frequent use of antibiotics. The declines have been greater in areas with fluoridated water supplies." (abstract, results, passage verified)
pubmedfull study (doi)