A new report on fluoride levels in drinking water has advocates on both sides claiming the results support their cause. The report recommended that the EPA lower the maximum allowable levels of fluoride in the nation's water to avoid health risks, but only about 200,000 Americans currently consume water above those levels.

Fluoride occurs naturally in water, but communities where natural levels are lower add additional fluoride. The practice has long been recommended by dentists because it reduces the risk of cavities, saves money, and helps low-income families without access to dental care. According to the American Dental Association, fluoride in water helps reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.

I’m always amazed at the number of intriguing, sometimes important, and often bizarre science conferences that take place here in Boulder, Colorado. With the