No adequate evidence to assess differences between natural and artificial water fluoridation

Objective Are there differences in the effects of natural and artificial water fluoridation? Data sources See page 37. Study selection See page 37. Results The assessment of the effect of natural versus artificial water fluoridation is greatly limited because of the lack of studies that make the comparison. Very few studies included both natural and artificially fluoridated areas, and direct comparisons were not possible for most outcomes. No major differences were apparent in this review. Conclusions Although no major differences were apparent in this review, the evidence is not adequate to reach a conclusion regarding this objective. McDonagh M, Whiting P, Bradley M, Cooper J, Sutton A, Chestnutt I, et al. A Systematic Review of Public Water Fluoridation. York: Publications Office, NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York. ISBN 1 900640 16 3; 2000