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Evaluation of the potential value of artificial intelligence (AI) in public health using fluoride intake as the example.Abstract
Highlights
- ChatGPT4o can summarize complex epidemiological questions related to fluoride.
- ChatGPT4o can generate innovative and viable fluoride research hypotheses.
- ChatGPT4o has potential value in public health education and research.
- AI still has limitations, therefore human supervision is necessary.
Aim
Material and methods
Results
Conclusion
As AI technology develops, it can assist health professionals in understanding the disorders and researchers in their work on the mechanisms behind the disorders caused by insufficient or excessive fluoride intake.
Graphical Abstract
1. Introduction
Adequate fluoride intake is an important public health outcome due to the role of fluoride in the prevention of dental caries, a widespread chronic disease affecting people from all age groups (Martignon et al., 2017, Marshall et al., 2005). Tooth decay can lead to pain, and infection, and, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss. By incorporating fluoride into drinking water, toothpaste, and other dental products, the incidence of tooth decay can be effectively reduced (Hiraishi et al., 2011, Fejerskov, 2004). Systemic and topical fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and enhances remineralization, making teeth more resistant to demineralizing acid produced by plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth (Vasisth et al., 2024). Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of water fluoridation and widespread distribution through drinking water to all populations, regardless of age, education, or socioeconomic status, make it a highly impactful public health intervention (Cronin et al., 2021, Ramasubbu et al., 2024).
Though fluoride intake is beneficial for dental health, excessive exposure is associated with several adverse effects. Chronic high fluoride consumption can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that results in discoloration and mottling of the tooth enamel (Abba et al., 2023, Chandrajith et al., 2022). More severe exposure can lead to skeletal fluorosis, characterized by pain and damage to bones and joints (Gerges et al., 2023, Meena and Gupta, 2021). Emerging research also suggests potential associations between high fluoride intake and negative impacts on neurological development which may affect cognitive function and IQ, particularly among children (Veneri et al., 2023, Xiang et al., 2024, Kumar et al., 2023 Jun). Additionally, there are concerns about fluoride’s role in thyroid dysfunction and other endocrine disruptions (Elghareeb et al., 2024, Taher et al., 2024). These risks underscore the importance of carefully regulating fluoride intake in public health policy to optimize the benefits with safety.
Studies on the application of AI in health dissemination on fluoride intake have not been reported. However, AI has been explored broadly for health education and could be effectively applied to fluoride intake education (Nagi et al., 2023, Gilbert, 2024, Jarab et al., 2024). ChatGPT can process collected text data using advanced natural language processing techniques. ChatGPT can analyze current knowledge databases by processing a large number of coherent texts using a large number of nodes and layers, so it can understand and answer a very wide range of instructions and questions (Sallam, 2023, Li et al., 2024). Currently, several studies also illustrate examples of ChatGPT’s use of machine learning, knowledge graphs, and other techniques to analyze data for application to the healthcare domain (?irkovi? and Katz, 2023, Blanchard et al., 2024). We speculate that AI-powered tools can analyze large datasets to identify patterns and trends in fluoride-related health outcomes, tailor educational information to meet individual needs and disseminate research findings through various digital platforms. Fluoride toxicity research needs to cross multiple disciplines and fields such as chemistry, medicine, and environmental science, etc. ChatGPT’s powerful and efficient ability to parse databases can provide researchers with more comprehensive knowledge on the toxic effects of fluoride on various organs in the human body, and on the transport and transformation of fluoride in ecosystems in environmental science. This integration of interdisciplinary knowledge helps to identify new research directions and potential research questions. In this study, we intend to ask several questions on the application of AI for public education on fluoride intake using ChatGPT as an example. These queries include, whether AI can provide personalized advice on fluoride use based on local water fluoride levels, individual health histories, and age-specific guidelines. Additionally, we explore whether the machine learning algorithms of ChatGPT can help public health officials identify areas at risk for either fluoride deficiency or overdose, thereby allowing for targeted educational campaigns. Overall, we investigate 1). whether the integration of AI can enhance public understanding of fluoride’s benefits and risks, thus, enabling the public to make better decisions about fluoride intake; and 2).Whether ChatGPT can be used to generate research hypotheses to assist investigators in the study of disorders caused by the fluoride deficiency or overdose.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Tools and source for ChatGPT test

Fig. 1. Outline of study procedure.
2.1.2. Test 2 – Data gathering on population and management in fluoride intake
2.1.3. Test 3 – Detailed knowledge of research on the effect of insufficient and excessive levels of fluoride
2.1.4. Test 4. – Capability of ChatGPT to generate new hypotheses to study the effect of deficient and excess levels of fluoride
2.2. Evaluations of outputs from ChatGPT
To evaluate ChatGPT’s answers to the above queries and requests, three authors (E1, E2, and E3) were selected to independently provide an evaluation based on the evaluation criteria. The final evaluation then was provided through discussion and agreement among the authors.
Criteria for selection of experts: working on the field of endemic diseases, including fluoride, for more than 20 years, holding positions in relevant fluoride research institutes, and having published authoritative fluoride-related research results.
Evaluation criteria: 1)We graded the content of Test 1, Test 2, and Test 3 as excellent ‘A’ responses that provided exhaustive details, accurate information. Good ‘B’ responses that covered most of the necessary aspects, accurate information. Satisfactory ‘C’ responses that provided a fair amount of detail, and the information is mostly accurate. Poor ‘D’ refers to a response that provides little but basic detail; the information is partially accurate. Failure ‘F’ means the response is severely lacking in detail, and the information is inaccurate. 2) Detailed criteria for evaluating Test 4 content are in Supplementary Material 1.
3. Results
Table 1. Summary of questions and answers from ChatGPT, Google AI, with evaluation grade by experts and Group regarding the information about fluoride in public health*?.
Question | E1?*?* | E2 | E3 | Group | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Q1. Why it is important to have fluoride in the human body? | ||||||
A1-ChatGPT. Fluoride is an essential mineral for the human body, primarily due to its significant role in maintaining dental health. The key benefits include: 1.Prevention of Dental Caries-*?**?. 2.Strengthening Tooth Enamel-. 3.Reduction of Dental Sensitivity-. 4. Support in Public Health-. |
B | A | A | A | ||
A1- Google AI overview. Fluoride is a mineral that can be found in many foods and as a dietary supplement. It’s important for the human body because it helps protect teeth and stimulate bone formation: •Teeth, •Bones, | C | B | C | C | ||
Q2. What is the risk when there is not enough fluoride for the human body? | ||||||
A2-ChatGPT. Insufficient fluoride intake can lead to several dental and potentially broader health issues: 1.Increased Risk of Dental Caries-. 2.Weakened Tooth Enamel-. 3.Higher Dental Treatment Costs-. 4.Worsening Oral Health Inequities-. 5.Potential Impact on Overall Health-. |
C | B | A | B | ||
A2- Google AI overview. Not getting enough fluoride can lead to tooth decay and possibly osteoporosis. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that protects teeth from decay by inhibiting bacteria in plaque and tooth enamel, and by enhancing tooth remineralization. When there’s not enough fluoride, bacteria can produce acids that wear away at tooth enamel, creating an environment for cavities to form. | D | C | B | C | ||
Q3. What are the risks of having too much fluoride intake? | ||||||
A3-ChatGPT. Excessive fluoride intake can lead to several health issues, some of which can be quite serious: 1.Dental Fluorosis-. 2.Skeletal Fluorosis-. 3.Neurological Effects-. 4.Thyroid Dysfunction-. 5.Kidney Damage-. 6.Gastrointestinal Issues- |
B | B | A | B | ||
A3- Google AI overview. Consuming too much fluoride can have a number of negative effects, including: •Dental fluorosis-. •Skeletal fluorosis-. •Other health effects- |
D | D | B | C |
- *
-
Detailed information in Supplementary Material 2.
Table 2. Summaries of ChatGPT and Google AI-generated data gathered from populations and management of fluoride intake with individual evaluation grades and overall group scores*?.
Question | E1 | E2 | E3 | Group | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Q1. What are the global regions with high natural fluoride concentrations in water and soil? | ||||||
A1-ChatGPT. Regions with high natural fluoride concentrations in water and soil are typically associated with specific geological and environmental conditions. Here are some notable regions: 1.East Africa-*?*. 2.South Asia: Parts of India- particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab?.3.China: Certain regions in China-. 4.Mexico-. 5.Middle East-. 6.North America- | B | A | A | A | ||
A1- Google AI overview. According to a 2022 global fluoride hazard map, areas with high natural fluoride concentrations in water and soil include: •Africa: 15?% of Africa has a greater than 50?% chance of groundwater fluoride concentrations exceeding 1.5?mg/L- •Australia and Oceania-. •South America-. •Asia-. •North America-. •Other areas: – |
B | B | B | B | ||
Q2 Which countries have implemented water fluoridation programs, and what are the average fluoride levels in these regions? | ||||||
A2-ChatGPT. Many countries around the world have implemented water fluoridation programs to prevent dental caries. Here are some notable examples and their average fluoride levels (Supplementary Materials 3): United States-. Canada-. Australia-. United Kingdom-. Ireland-. New Zealand-. Singapore-. Malaysia-. Hong Kong-. Brazil- |
B | B | B | B | ||
A2- Google AI overview. Around 24 countries have water fluoridation programs, providing artificially fluoridated water to about 5.7?% of the world’s population. Some countries have more widespread programs, while others have more limited ones. •Widespread programs: Australia (90?%), Brunei (95?%), Chile (70?%), Ireland (70?%), Malaysia (66?%), New Zealand (52?%), Singapore (100?%), and the United States (70?%). •Limited programs: Vietnam, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and South Korea | B | B | B | B | ||
Q3. What geological factors influence the natural occurrence of fluoride in water and soil? | ||||||
A3-ChatGPT. The natural occurrence of fluoride in water and soil is influenced by several geological factors. Here are the key factors: 1. Type of Bedrock and Minerals-. 2. Geothermal Activity-. 3. Climate and Weathering-. 4. Soil Composition and Properties-. 5. Hydrogeology-. 6. Anthropogenic Factors-. Industrial Activities- |
A | A | A | A | ||
A3- Google AI overview. Many geological factors can influence the natural occurrence of fluoride in water and soil, including: •Rock types-. •Aquifer conditions-. •Groundwater age-. •pH •Temperature |
B | B | B | B | ||
Q4. What are the primary natural sources of fluoride in water and soil (e.g., volcanic activity, mineral deposits)? | ||||||
A4-ChatGPT. The primary natural sources of fluoride in water and soil include: 1. Mineral Deposits-. 2. Volcanic Activity-. 3. Weathering of Fluoride-Containing Rocks-. 4. Soil Composition-. 5. Geothermal and Hydrothermal Activities |
B | A | A | A | ||
A4- Google AI overview. Fluorides occur naturally in the earth’s crust where they are found in rocks, coal, clay, and soil. They are released into the air in wind-blown soil. Hydrogen fluoride is released to the air from fluoride-containing substances, including coal, minerals, and clays, when they are heated to high temperatures. | D | B | D | D | ||
Q5. How do agricultural practices and industrial activities contribute to fluoride levels in water and soil? | ||||||
A5-ChatGPT. Agricultural practices and industrial activities can significantly contribute to fluoride levels in water and soil. Here’s how: Agricultural Practices: 1.Use of Phosphate Fertilizers-. 2.Irrigation Practices-. Industrial Activities: 1.Aluminum Production-. 2.Phosphate Processing- 3.Glass and Ceramic Manufacturing-. 4.Coal Burning-. 5.Brick and Tile Manufacturing- Environmental and Health Impacts: •Soil Contamination-. •Water Contamination-. •Airborne Fluoride- |
B | A | A | A | ||
A5- Google AI overview. Not yet have an answer. (As Aug 1, 2024) | F | F | F | F | ||
Q6. What are the typical fluoride concentration ranges in groundwater and surface water in different regions? | ||||||
A6-ChatGPT. Fluoride concentrations in groundwater and surface water vary significantly depending on geological and environmental factors. Groundwater concentration ranges were provided for 5 sample areas (East Africa – Rift Valley, South Asia, China, North America, Middle East. Surface water concentrations were provided for 4 areas, including North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. (Ranges from these different regions are found in Supplementary Material 3): | B | B | C | B | ||
A6- Google (not an AI Overview). Because of the large number of variables, the fluoride concentrations in groundwater can range from well under 1?ppm to more than 35?ppm. In Kenya and South Africa, the levels can exceed 25?ppm. | D | D | B | D | ||
Q7. How do climate and weather patterns affect fluoride levels in water and soil? | ||||||
A7-ChatGPT. Climate and weather patterns significantly influence fluoride levels in water and soil through several mechanisms: 1. Evaporation and Concentration: •Arid and Semi-Arid Climates-. •Seasonal Variations: -. 2. Water Flow and Dilution: •Precipitation and Runoff: -. •Flooding: -. 3. Soil Moisture and Leaching: •Soil Moisture: -. •Dry Climates: -. 4. Temperature and Mineral Solubility: •Temperature Effects: -. •Cold Climates: -. 5. Climate Change Impacts: •Changing Precipitation Patterns:-. •Rising Temperatures: -. |
B | A | A | A | ||
A7- Google(not an AI Overview). Fluorine uptake is increasing proportionally with the increasing of the content of fluorine in water, as well as with air temperature in the area, since summer temperatures are higher than winter temperatures. Drinking-water is more often the largest single part to daily fluoride intake | C | C | C | C | ||
Q8. What are the seasonal variations in fluoride concentrations in water sources? | ||||||
A8-ChatGPT. Seasonal variations in fluoride concentrations in water sources can be influenced by a range of environmental and hydrological factors. Here are some key patterns observed globally: 1. Dry Seasons-•Concentration Increase-. •GivenExample Regions (Supplementary Material 3):-. 2. Rainy Seasons. •Dilution Effect-. •Runoff and Leaching: 3. Seasonal Groundwater Recharge: •Aquifer Recharge: -. •Fluctuations in Wells 4. Agricultural Practices: •Irrigation Cycles:-. •Fertilizer Application: 5. Temperature and Mineral Solubility: •Temperature-Dependent Solubility-. Regional Examples |
B | B | A | B | ||
A8- Google AI overview. -Not yet have answer (As Aug 1, 2024). | F | F | F | F | ||
Q9. How does soil type and composition affect fluoride retention and leaching? Measurement and Data Collection |
||||||
A9-ChatGPT. Soil Type and Texture 1.Clay Soils: oRetention:-. oLeaching-. 2.Sandy Soils: oRetention:-. oLeaching: -. 3.Loamy Soils:-. oRetention:-. oLeaching:-. Soil Composition 1.pH Levels: oAcidic Soils (Low pH):-. oAlkaline Soils (High pH):-. 2.Organic Matter: oRetention-. oLeaching:-. 3.Calcium Content: oRetention:-. oLeaching:-. Measurement and Data Collection 1.Sampling: oSoil Sampling:-. oWater Sampling:-. 2.Analytical Techniques: oIon Selective Electrode (ISE):-. oSpectrophotometry: -. 3.Data Analysis: oStatistical Methods:-. oGeospatial Analysis:-. |
B | A | A | A | ||
A9- Google AI overview. Not yet have an answer (As Aug 1, 2024) | F | F | F | F | ||
Q10. What methods are used to measure fluoride levels in water and soil, and how consistent are these methods globally? | ||||||
A10-ChatGPT. Methods to Measure Fluoride Levels in Water and Soil 1. Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) Method: •Principle: •Application: •Consistency: 2. Colorimetric Method: •Principle: •Common Reagent: •Application: •Consistency: 3. Ion Chromatography (IC): •Principle: •Application: •Consistency: 4. Fluoride Ion-Selective Electrode with TISAB Buffer •Principle •Application: •Consistency: •Standardization: •Quality Control: •Adaptations |
B | A | A | A | ||
A10- Google AI overview. There are multiple methods for measuring fluoride levels in water and soil, including colorimetric, potentiometric, gas chromatographic (GC), and spectrometric methods: •Colorimetric:-. •Potentiometric:-. •GC: Used to determine trace levels of fluoride in biological media. •Spectrometric: Can be used to estimate fluoride levels in water, soil, and vegetables. |
C | C | B | C | ||
Q11. How frequently are fluoride levels monitored in different regions, and what agencies are responsible for this monitoring? | ||||||
A11-ChatGPT. The frequency of monitoring fluoride levels in water and soil varies by region, depending on local regulations, environmental conditions, and public health priorities. Here are some typical monitoring practices (Supplementary Material 3): 1. United States: •Frequency:-. •Responsible Agencies:-. 2. Canada: •Frequency:-. •Responsible Agencies:-. 3. Australia: •Frequency:-. •Responsible Agencies:-. 4. United Kingdom: •Frequency:-. •Responsible Agencies:-. 5. India: •Frequency:-. •Responsible Agencies:-. 6. China: •Frequency:-. •Responsible Agencies-. 7. European Union: •Frequency:-. •Responsible Agencies-. |
B | B | A | B | ||
A11- Google AI overview. The frequency and agencies responsible for monitoring fluoride levels vary depending on the type of water system: •Community water systems-. •Private wells-. |
D | D | C | D | ||
Q12. What are the common challenges in collecting accurate data on fluoride distribution? | ||||||
A12-ChatGPT. Collecting accurate data on fluoride distribution in water and soil involves several challenges that can impact the reliability and consistency of the results. Here are some common challenges: 1. Sampling Variability: •Spatial Variability-. •Temporal Variability: -. 2. Technical and Methodological Issues: •Instrumentation and Calibration: -. •Sample Handling and Preservation: -. 3. Analytical Interferences: •Presence of Interfering Ions: -. •Matrix Effects: -. 4. Resource Limitations: •Financial Constraints: -. •Technical Expertise: -. 5. Data Management and Sharing: •Data Integration: -. •Data Accessibility: -. 6. Environmental and Human Factors: •Environmental Conditions: -. •Human Activities: -. |
A | A | A | A | ||
A12- Google AI overview. No response given as of Aug 1, 2024) | F | F | F | F |
- *
-
Detailed information is explained in Supplementary Material 3.
Table 3. Evaluation of Answers from ChatGPT regarding effects of deficiency and excessive levels of fluoride.
Effect | E1 | E2 | E3 | Group |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tooth Decay | A | A | A | A |
Dental Fluorosis | A | A | A | A |
Skeletal Fluorosis | A | A | A | A |
Neurological problems | A | B | B | B |
Thyroid Dysfunction | A | A | A | A |
Dysfunction of the kidneys | A | A | A | A |
GI symptoms | A | A | A | A |
Low-renin hypertension | B | B | B | B |
Table 4. Evaluation of hypotheses generated by ChatGPT.
Issue | Hypothesis | E1 | E2 | E3 | Group |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tooth decay caused by insufficient level of fluoride | Individual genetic variations in enamel formation genes modify the susceptibility to dental caries in populations with insufficient fluoride intake | Relatively New Hypothesis Partially Feasible |
Relatively new, feasible | Relatively new, feasible | Relatively new, feasible |
Dental fluorosis caused by excessive amounts of fluoride | High dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D moderates the risk of developing dental fluorosis in children exposed to excessive fluoride levels during critical periods of tooth development | Relatively New Hypothesis Partially Feasible |
Relatively new, feasible | Relatively new, feasible | Relatively new, feasible |
Skeletal fluorosis caused by excessive amounts of fluoride | Individuals with genetic variants in collagen-related genes have a higher susceptibility to skeletal fluorosis under conditions of excessive fluoride exposure compared to those without these variants. | Relatively New Hypothesis Partially Feasible |
Relatively Novel, feasible | Novel, feasible | Relatively new, feasible |
Neurological problems caused by excessive amounts of fluoride | Chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride induces neuroinflammation through activation of microglia, leading to neurological impairments in cognitive function and behavior in adolescents | Relatively New Hypothesis Partially Feasible |
Relatively new, partially feasible | Relatively new, partially feasible | Relatively new, partially feasible |
Thyroid Dysfunction caused by excessive amounts of fluoride | Excessive fluoride exposure disrupts gut microbiota balance, leading to altered gut-thyroid axis communication and subsequent thyroid dysfunction, characterized by changes in thyroid hormone levels and increased autoimmune thyroiditis incidence | Novel Hypothesis Partially Feasible |
Novel, feasible | Novel, feasible | Novel, feasible |
Thyroid Dysfunction caused by excessive amounts of fluoride | Excessive fluoride exposure leads to epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation changes in genes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis and regulation, contributing to the development of thyroid dysfunction | Relatively New Hypothesis. | Novel, feasible | Novel, feasible | Novel, feasible |
Dysfunction of the kidneys caused by excessive amounts of fluoride | Excessive fluoride intake leads to renal dysfunction through oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, resulting in altered kidney structure and function | Established Hypothesis Partially Feasible |
Established, feasible | Relatively new, feasible | Established hypothesis, feasible |
GI symptoms caused by excessive amounts of fluoride | Chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride disrupts serotonin signaling pathways in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to altered gut motility and increased incidence of GI symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea | Novel Hypothesis High Risk, High Reward |
Novel, feasible | Novel, feasible | Novel, feasible |
Low-renin hypertension caused by excessive amount of fluoride | Excessive fluoride exposure leads to low-renin hypertension by inducing hyperactivity in the sympathetic nervous system, which disrupts the normal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) feedback mechanism | Novel Hypothesis Partially Feasible |
Novel, feasible | Novel, feasible | Novel, feasible |
3.4. Dental fluorosis
3.5. Skeletal fluorosis
3.6. Neurological problems
3.7. Thyroid dysfunction
3.8. Dysfunction of the kidneys
3.9. GI symptoms
3.10. Low-renin hypertension
4. Test 4 – Capacity in the generation of research hypotheses to study the effect of deficiency and exceed levels of fluoride
ChatGPT proposed a hypothesis for each of the eight disorders that were caused by deficiency and excessive levels of fluoride ((Supplementary Material 5–12). Four hypotheses were rated as novel and feasible, including those that suggested that genetic variations influence susceptibility to dental caries and that high calcium and vitamin D intake moderated dental fluorosis risk. The other three hypotheses, such as those that linked excessive fluoride to neuroinflammation and thyroid dysfunction via gut microbiota disruption or epigenetic modifications, were also considered to be relatively new and feasible. These hypotheses offer insights for mechanisms and interactions that could guide future research on fluoride-related health impacts. Only one hypothesis was regarded as an established hypothesis.
4.1. Hypothesis for investigating tooth decay
4.2. Hypothesis for dental fluorosis
4.3. Hypothesis for skeletal fluorosis
4.4. Neurological problems
4.5. Hypothesis for thyroid dysfunction
4.6. Hypothesis for dysfunction of the kidneys
4.7. Hypothesis for GI symptoms
The hypothesis “Chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride disrupts serotonin signaling pathways in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to altered gut motility and increased incidence of GI symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea” is novel and feasible because it explores a biochemical mechanism linking fluoride exposure to gastrointestinal health (Supplementary Material 11). By focusing on serotonin signaling, the study aims to uncover how fluoride affects gut motility and contributes to common GI symptoms. This research could provide insightful thoughts into the systemic effects of fluoride and identify possible therapeutic targets for managing fluoride-induced GI disturbances. The study’s comprehensive design, including detailed fluoride exposure assessment, standardized GI symptom documentation, and measurement of serotonin levels in both blood and stool samples, ensures robust data collection. By considering control variables and using regression analyses, the research aims to offer a nuanced understanding of the relationship between fluoride exposure and gastrointestinal health.
4.8. Hypothesis for low-renin hypertension
5. Discussion
The most significant accomplishment of our investigation is the demonstration of AI’s capability, specifically using ChatGPT4o, to provide accurate and comprehensive information on fluoride intake and its implications for public health. This original study highlights the ability of AI to understand the complex epidemiological problems associated with fluoride intake, generate novel and feasible hypotheses for research, and provide detailed knowledge on the disorders caused by fluoride deficiency or excess. This study establishes AI as a promising tool in public health education and research, particularly in addressing both the beneficial and adverse effects of fluoride intake.
Our study shows the ability of ChatGPT4o to collect and synthesize data on population fluoride intake, identify patterns and trends in fluoride-related health outcomes, and provide tailored educational content. Additionally, our study effectively compares the AI’s responses to those from Google Chrome, showcasing the superiority of AI in providing more complete and accurate information on fluoride intake and its health impacts.
In terms of generating new hypotheses, we needed ChatGPT to provide relevant literature when generating hypotheses, and in conjunction with our search for literature from non-ChatGPT sources, we analysed the proportion of non-ChatGPT sources used in validating hypotheses (Supplementary Material 14). We found a higher proportion of non-ChatGPT sources in studies of dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, neurological problems and renal dysfunction 72.7?%, 42.9?%, 33.3?%, 14.3?% respectively. Expert assessment found three hypotheses to be relatively novel and feasible, while the hypothesis on renal dysfunction was considered an established and previously researched hypothesis. However, for the four hypotheses with 0?% non-ChatGPT sources, their expert evaluations were overall more novel and feasible than the others. Thus, our study found that ChatGPT has the potential to propose new hypotheses.
The impact of this study for the application of AI in the study of health issues of fluoride is multifaceted. By showcasing the potential of AI to enhance public health education on fluoride intake, it opens new avenues for leveraging AI in other areas of public health. The study’s findings can inform public health policies and practice, particularly in regions with high fluoride exposure. Moreover, the novel hypotheses generated by the AI can guide future research, new discoveries in the health effects of fluoride. This work underscores the importance of integrating AI into public health strategies to improve health education, data collection, and research.
Despite its accomplishments, the study has several limitations. One significant limitation is the reliance on pre-2023 data, which may exclude the latest research and developments in the field. The inability of AI to access proprietary databases or subscription-based journals limits the comprehensiveness of its literature reviews. Despite the significant potential of ChatGPT for data analysis, its application requires caution. The following limitations may exist: ChatGPT’s training data comes from a variety of published and unpublished textual sources with varying data quality. ChatGPT is inconsistent in its ability to provide in-depth professional understanding when dealing with large amounts of fluoride-related textual data information. Additionally, the AI may lack context or nuance in addressing complex public health issues and could propagate outdated or incorrect information due to the absence of independent verification. The study also notes potential biases from the AI’s training data and ethical and privacy concerns related to handling personal health information.
Future studies may include updating the AI’s training data with the latest research to enhance the accuracy and relevance of its outputs. Expanding the AI’s access to a broader range of databases and journals would improve the comprehensiveness of its literature reviews. Further research should focus on addressing the ethical and privacy concerns associated with AI in public health applications. Meanwhile, AI-driven knowledge graphs and semantic networks are used to discover conceptual relationships to generate hypotheses, which are screened by experts or AI tools for valuable research and optimised with reinforcement learning and critical review techniques. Additionally, validating the novel hypotheses generated by AI through empirical research could collect new evidence and improve public health interventions. The study could also explore the integration of AI with other technologies to enhance its capabilities in public health education and research.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential value of artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT4o, in public health education and research regarding fluoride intake. The AI showcased its ability to provide comprehensive and accurate information, generate novel research hypotheses, and offer tailored educational content. These findings highlight AI’s capacity to enhance public understanding of fluoride’s benefits and risks, so that the public can make more informed decisions about fluoride intake.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
Wei Dan: Writing – review & editing, Investigation. Li Minghui: Writing – review & editing, Investigation. Sun Shuqiu: Writing – review & editing, Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Data curation. Gu Tianshu: Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Data curation. Cao Yanhong: Methodology, Investigation, Formal analysis, Data curation. Wei Wei: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Project administration, Data curation, Conceptualization. Yao Lan: Writing – review & editing, Methodology, Investigation, Data curation, Conceptualization. Sun Dianjun: Writing – review & editing, Methodology, Investigation, Data curation, Conceptualization. Fly Alyce D: Writing – review & editing, Methodology, Investigation. Gu Weikuan: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft, Supervision, Project administration, Methodology, Investigation, Funding acquisition, Formal analysis, Data curation, Conceptualization.
Declaration of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing processDuring the preparation of this work, the author(s) used ChatGPT4o to generate descriptions and draw pictures for authors to modify to compose the manuscript and to make the figures for illustration of scientific concepts. The authors take all responsibility for these figures.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper
Acknowledgments
The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily.represent the official position of any organization. This work was partially supported by funding from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (R073290109) to WG in Memphis, TN, USA, and National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.82373699) to WW in China. The funders had no role in the study design, in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.
Human subjects
Consent statement/Ethical approval
Author contributions
Appendix A. Supplementary material
Supplementary material
Supplementary material
Data availabilityData will be made available on request. All the data are available in the public databases as provided in the manuscript.
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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651325001411?via%3Dihub