Alarmist article misinforms the public.

Editor:

“Fluoridated water linked to lower IQs” (Reading Eagle, Aug. 20) does a disservice to readers. The medical, dental and public health communities wholeheartedly support community water fluoridation as a means of reducing dental disease in children. As a dentist, I can state that children who drink fluoridated water have lower rates of dental disease than their non-fluoridated peers. It is absurd to say that there is a link between fluoridated water and low IQs. Most of my patient base comes from the Fleetwood School District, all of whom live in communities with fluoridated public water supplies. I’m happy to report that these students are doing fine academically.

The Aug. 20 article risks promoting or encouraging behaviors that may adversely effect public health. The safety and efficacy of fluoride has decades of documented research to back it up. This article feeds on controversy, not science, and I pray that your readers recognize that.

Dr. Brian M. Schwab
Alsace Township

*Original letter online at https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/letter-fluoride-in-water-benefits-our-health