Whetting your Hydroxyapatite for Fluoride

Unbiased Science

@unbiasedscipod

Education, Science, Health & Fitness

4.4 • 644 Ratings

🗓️ 3 December 2025

⏱️ 33 minutes

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Summary

On this episode of the pod, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist, to explore the contentious topic of fluoride in public health. The scientists examine both the benefits and risks of fluoride use, particularly its critical role in preventing cavities and supporting oral health in children. Dr. Lerman provides expert insights into recent public debates surrounding water fluoridation while discussing hydroxyapatite as an emerging alternative. Throughout the conversation, the experts address important health equity considerations related to dental care access and fluoride availability. The episode emphasizes the importance of evidence-based discussions about fluoride's role in public health while acknowledging the complexities of balancing benefits, risks, and equitable access to preventive dental care. Video available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Zve0E3F-1T0 (00:00) Intro and Public Health Update (04:20) What Is A News Item That Caught Your Attention And Why? (05:43) The F Word. Fluoride In The News (09:06) What Is Fluoride Exactly? (09:56) Does Fluoride Cause A Reduction In IQ?? (13:52) Case Studies In Community Water Fluoridation (17:16) What Is Hydroxyapatite? (19:17) Fluoride vs Hydroxyapatite (23:17) The Impact Of Fluoride On IQ In Children (26:08) Other Fluoride Myths/Concerns (29:23) What Is Fluorosis? (30:46) What Is Giving Hope In Public Health? https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/28/well/utah-fluoride-ban.html https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-acts-protect-children-unapproved-fluoride-drug-products https://www.fda.gov/media/189413/download https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/11/well/fda-fluoride-supplements-kids-doctors.html https://www.kff.org/other-health/water-fluoridation-in-the-u-s-the-federal-role-in-policy-and-practice/ https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5290 https://yourfirstgrin.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	You're listening to an Airwave Media podcast.
0:20.4	Welcome to Unbiased Science, where we bring scientific method to the madness.
0:26.2	We're your host, Dr. Jess Steyer, and Dr. Sarah Scheinman.
0:30.7	And this week, we are talking about the F word.
0:35.3	Fluoride.
0:38.3	Spoiler alert, yes, fluoride.
0:40.6	And also...
0:41.7	Sorry, I didn't know that's how you were starting.
0:43.4	I'm so excited.
0:46.7	Having a little fun today.
0:49.3	Yeah, fluoride.
0:50.5	And then also the quote-unquote, well, I don't know, alternative to fluoride that a lot of people are
0:56.9	talking about hydroxy appetite because a thousand of you have sent us messages about this. There's been
1:04.3	some news around fluoride, some policy changes or announcements. We'll get into that in a second. Before we introduce today's
1:13.5	amazing guest, a very quick public health update, which is to say that there is some
1:18.9	concerning data from other countries. I think it's primarily the UK, Canada. I'm for blanking, of course, right, the second on the specific countries,
1:30.1	but basically showing that this year's flu season is likely to be a doozy,
1:35.1	potentially the worst that we've seen in a decade.
1:39.2	This is obviously not great news, but luckily we have flu vaccines, which, although not perfect and not always a great match
1:48.6	for the circulating strains, they will help lessen the severity of illness, shorten the duration
1:54.3	of illness.
1:55.3	I got my shot.
	...

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