Fluoride in drinking water may boost adolescent brain function: Study
Turns out, having the recommended amount of fluoride in your tap water might actually help teens do better in school.
A big University of Minnesota study followed over 26,000 people from high school into adulthood and found that those who grew up with typical US fluoride levels scored higher on math, reading, and vocabulary tests as teenagers.
What did the study find?
Teens exposed to 0.7-1.2 mg/L of fluoride performed better academically at graduation.
This boost didn't last into older adulthood, but the results held up even after considering moves or family background—indicating the association persisted even after accounting for these factors.
Why does this matter?
This research supports that community water fluoridation is safe and could give teens a mental edge—not just protect their teeth.
Unlike earlier studies from other countries with much higher exposure levels, these findings are directly relevant to US policies and could shape future decisions about what's in our water.