Water Fluoridation Risks or Benefits: Summary of the Symposium Presented During the Enamel 11 Meeting Held in Paris France.

Fluoride is widely used in dentistry to prevent dental caries. Fluoride can be naturally present in ground waters, and as a public health measure, many countries have added fluoride to drinking water. Experimental studies show that fluoride can affect the cells of the developing tooth organ to result in dental fluorosis, and cellular effects of fluoride raise concerns about potential neurodevelopmental and endocrine effects. Evidence of increasing levels of fluorosis in populations, have led regulatory organizations to revise their recommendations for optimal doses. To review the scientific evidence related to community water fluoridation and to stimulate discussion among the enamel research community, the organizers of the Enamel 11 meeting invited four speakers with expertise focused on fluoride use in caries prevention (Bruce Dye), fluoride physiology and mechanisms of action (Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf), fluoride effects on human neurodevelopment (Bruce Lanphear), and fluoride related effects on endocrine systems (Jean-Baptiste Fini). An introduction to this symposium is included to provide context, and is followed by a summary of the presentations, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/vNo2xQYeK9I . The discussion summarizes the comments of the presenters in response to questions by attendees.