Health · Healthcare & Policy · 1 hr ago
Australia to review fluoride guidance after new studies raise concerns
Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council will review its guidance on fluoride in drinking water.
The review follows studies that link exposure during pregnancy with lower intelligence in children, though research findings are conflicting.
The council currently says fluoridated water is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, based on a 2016 evidence review.
Fluoride has been added to Australian public water supplies since the 1960s to reduce tooth decay.
The Australian Dental Association says the evidence overall supports fluoridation, and points to a 2025 study that found no IQ difference among Australian children exposed to fluoride in early childhood.
International public health bodies say there is not enough evidence to establish that fluoride in pregnancy causes lower intelligence.
The council says it will assess the available evidence, and the review will inform future guidance.
Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council will review its guidance on fluoride in drinking water.
The review follows renewed debate over studies linking prenatal fluoride exposure with lower intelligence in children.
The council currently advises that fluoridated water is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The Australian Dental Association says the evidence supports fluoridation as a safe measure that reduces tooth decay.
The council said it would assess the available evidence, including what has emerged since its previous review.
- Who
- The National Health and Medical Research Council will review the guidance. Australian Dental Association vice president Angie Nilsson supports fluoridation.
- What
- Australia’s guidance on fluoride in drinking water is under review following studies raising concerns about prenatal exposure.
- When
- The council confirmed the review on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- New studies linking prenatal fluoride exposure with lower intelligence in children have reignited debate.
Alex Antic
Australian Dental Association
Research on prenatal exposure
Alex Antic
Antic asked whether guidance would be reviewed in light of research linking fluoride exposure with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including reduced intelligence.
Australian Dental Association
The association says the overall evidence shows fluoridated water is safe and reduces tooth decay.
Fluoridated water in pregnancy
Alex Antic
Antic raised research indicating fluoride crosses the placenta and may be linked to adverse outcomes.
Australian Dental Association
The association says Australian guidelines keep fluoride levels within safe limits and cites a 2025 study that found no IQ difference among Australian children exposed to fluoride in early childhood and those who were not.
Fluoride has been added to Australia’s public water supplies to reduce tooth decay.
The NHMRC reviewed scientific research and based its current advice on that review.
A longitudinal study found no difference in IQ between Australian children exposed to fluoride during early childhood and those who were not.
The NHMRC confirmed it would review the national guidance at a Senate hearing.
- Reviewing agency
- National Health and Medical Research Council
- Fluoride level in Australian public water supplies
- 0.6 to 1.1 milligrams per litre
- Previous evidence review
- 2016
- Study cited by the Australian Dental Association
- 2025 longitudinal study
- Review confirmation
- Thursday, October 29, 2026
What people are saying
We will undertake a comprehensive review of the available evidence at this time and look to see what has emerged
It is actually a really alarming thing when someone’s saying to a pregnant woman, ‘you shouldn’t be having fluoridated water’
It’s decay that leads to pain and abscesses, that leads to a general anaesthetic and having all of their baby teeth – 20 teeth – taken out in one hit because they’re rotten