Extensively studied over decades, fluoride has been scientifically validated for its effectiveness in reducing dental cavities, particularly in children. It is incorporated into municipal water supplies, toothpastes, mouth rinses, and dietary supplements.
This past May, the FDA announced, in a cart-before-the-horse statement, that it intends to remove fluoride supplements from the market effective October 2025, after a safety review is completed. According to the FDA, this safety review applies to “ingestible fluoride prescription drug products” — not toothpaste, mouth rinses, or other topical products containing fluoride.
According to the American Dental Association, “A review of the studies offered as referenced by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services do not in fact demonstrate any harmful effects for the concentrations of fluoride prescribed by physicians and dentists.” But HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement from the department, “Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue. … This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.” But shouldn’t the decision be made after the scientific review?
