As the article notes, this is all based on the Cochrane Collaborative methodology of searching for prior published scientific literature, and is not a conclusion based on a fresh study. The article also points out, "Another 2009 review[link] by the Cochrane group clearly shows that fluoride toothpaste prevents cavities, serving as a useful counterpoint to fluoridation’s uncertain benefits." [link] http://www.cochrane…
> The article also points out, "Another 2009 review[link] by the Cochrane group clearly shows that fluoride toothpaste prevents cavities, serving as a useful counterpoint to fluoridation’s uncertain benefits." I think you understood this, but I wanted to clarify for others: the Cochrane review that this article is about showed that fluoridated water may not prevent tooth decay. The 2009 review you mention does not co…
"The separate meta-analyses of fluoride gel or mouthrinse combined with toothpaste versus toothpaste alone favour the combined regimens, but differences were not statistically significant; the significant difference in favour of the combined use of fluoride varnish and toothpaste accrues from a very small trial and appears likely to be a spurious result. [Except for two studies finding gel + mouthrinse to be more effective than gel alone,] no other combinations of topical fluoride therapy were consistently superior to a single therapy."
Since fluoride can harm brains, kidneys, and more at certain doses, I'm glad people are interested in which therapies are most effective and are seeking the optimal exposure level.