U.S. health regulators announced plans to phase out fluoride supplements, such as tablets, lozenges, and drops, which are sometimes used to strengthen children’s teeth. The FDA will review these products by late October with the goal of removing them from the market. The agency aims to have manufacturers voluntarily pull the products, instead of going through a lengthy rulemaking process. Fluoride supplements are typically recommended for children at risk of tooth decay due to low fluoride levels in drinking water. However, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary expressed concerns that these products could disrupt gut bacteria and may be linked to other health issues, including lower IQ. The American Dental Association disagreed, stating that studies do not show harmful effects from fluoride at the levels typically used by dentists.
The debate over fluoride supplements has intensified as U.S. health officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., scrutinize the potential risks of ingestible fluoride products. The American Dental Association (ADA) has strongly opposed efforts to phase out fluoride supplements, with President Dr. Brett Kessler warning that such actions could harm rural America and stressing the need for thorough study before making drastic changes.
Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replenishing minerals lost during normal wear. However, some states, like Utah, have recently moved to remove fluoride from drinking water, increasing the need for fluoride supplements. Kennedy, who has labeled fluoride a “dangerous neurotoxin,” has launched a task force to investigate its health effects and announced plans to stop the CDC from recommending its addition to tap water.
A recent report from the National Toxicology Program suggested a link between excessive fluoride in drinking water and lower IQs in children, based on studies from several countries. However, the ADA maintains that fluoride at recommended levels is safe and beneficial, particularly for children at risk of cavities. They also noted that the most common side effect of fluoride supplements is tooth discoloration.
While the FDA regulates most fluoride-containing products, including toothpaste, it has announced plans to target ingestible fluoride supplements, which have “never been approved.” The FDA’s action will not affect adult fluoride treatments or dental products used in professional settings.
The controversy continues, with legal actions and lawsuits increasingly challenging fluoride’s safety and efficacy.