New research could point to a hidden risk of fluoride in early development.

The research was led by scientists at the University of Southern Californias Keck School of Medicine.

The study analyzed data from 229 pairs of mothers and children.

Water fluoridation is considered one of the most important public health accomplishments in recent decades.

Water fluoridation is considered one of the most important public health accomplishments in recent decades.Photo: Fernando Gutierrez-Juarez/dpa (Getty Images)

The findings arepublishedMonday in the journal JAMA web link Open.

But some other research has found evidence that early fluoride exposure can harm neurodevelopment, at least in animals.

Recent reviews haveconcludedthat more rigorous studies are needed to settle this question.

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In children and adults, water fluoridation isthoughtto prevent up to 25% of cavities.

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