WATCHING the fluoride debate from afar but from the perspective of a former resident of the Oberon local government area has highlighted a key problem encountered not only with the fluoride debate, but several public health issues. That is – do your own research. Nothing frustrates me more than this simple sentence.
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I note a recent quote from a young resident who said, “I’ve not found anything good (about fluoride) that you can get with a simple Google search” (SMH 22.5.18).
A simple Google search can yield all sorts of results from multiple perspectives and all of varying credibility. It is easy to find information that will reinforce pre-formed opinions. So how does an average person without experience or knowledge of research methodology sort high quality ‘Google’ information from low quality information? The answer is generally, they cannot. If you Google a headache, you will be convinced you have brain cancer.
Therefore, when debating issues such as fluoride in our drinking water, it is important the best quality information and evidence is provided to the community so they are empowered to make an informed, evidence-based decision, rather than doing their own Google research.
The highest quality evidence is a recent systematic review. A systematic review summarises all best available high quality research on a subject. It includes results from multiple research trials conducted across many locations. It will exclude research that has no credibility.
Another way to become better informed is to read guidelines posted by reputable organisations such as the World Health Organisation or, in Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council. Guidelines are derived from the highest quality evidence available, such as systematic reviews. Compulsory reading for anybody interested in the current fluoride debate that can be found with a simple Google search is ‘Cochrane Review, Water Fluoridation to Prevent Tooth Decay’. I appreciate the irony of finding it through Google!