Then, in April this year, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that this "optimal" level of fluoride, recommended since 1962, had in fact been set too high, resulting in 40 percent of American teens showing signs of overexposure[2]-a condition known as dental fluorosis.

So, for the first time in nearly 55 years, the US government lowered its recommended level of fluoride in drinking water[3][4][5] to a maximum of 0.7 mg/L. The question is, will this new level protect everyone from overexposure?

Considering the fact that virtually all Americans get fluoride from other sources such as toothpaste, dental rinses, processed foods, and beverages, and the fact that fluoride accumulates in your body over time, chances are this lower level will still pose a health risk for many.