Fluoride is a common additive in the drinking water of over two-thirds of Americans and is also found in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Recently, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised concerns about its safety, claiming that if elected, Donald Trump could seek to eliminate fluoride from U.S. water supplies.
Kennedy, who has a history of promoting unfounded claims about vaccines and other issues, stated on social media that fluoride is linked to various health problems, including arthritis and neurodevelopmental disorders. He asserted that on January 20, a Trump administration would advise removing fluoride from public water systems.
However, U.S. health experts strongly contest these claims. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers water fluoridation one of the major public health achievements of the last century. Prominent medical organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), support the practice, asserting that it significantly improves oral health.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and various foods, with its concentration varying by location. It strengthens tooth enamel, making it a common ingredient in oral health products.
Why Is Fluoride Added to Drinking Water?
The ADA endorses adding fluoride to public water systems as a “safe, beneficial, and cost-effective” measure to reduce cavities. According to ADA President Linda Edgar, extensive research supports the safety and efficacy of fluoride in promoting oral health.
The AAP also emphasizes that fluoride in drinking water is a safe method to enhance children’s dental health, with Charlotte W. Lewis of the AAP expressing confidence in the safety of optimally fluoridated water in the U.S.
Are There Risks Associated with Fluoride?
Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential risks of excessive fluoride consumption, prompting calls from some groups to ban its use in public water systems. A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found a correlation between high fluoride levels (over 1.5 milligrams per liter) and lower IQ in children, but these levels are significantly above those recommended in the U.S.
Another study suggested that prenatal exposure to fluoride in optimally fluoridated areas could be linked to neurobehavioral issues in children, though the available data is insufficient to draw firm conclusions about the impact of current fluoride levels on IQ.
A Brief History of Water Fluoridation
Fluoride was first added to a city’s water supply in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945. Over the next decade, researchers noted a more than 60% reduction in dental cavities among children. Today, approximately 72% of the U.S. population, or over 209 million people, benefit from fluoridated water. The CDC recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter to optimize dental health while minimizing the risk of fluorosis, a condition resulting from excessive fluoride intake.
Are States Required to Add Fluoride?
No, there is no federal mandate requiring states to fluoridate their water systems. Local governments decide on fluoridation levels, sometimes through voter initiatives. Recent legislative efforts have emerged in various states regarding fluoride policies. For example, a Kentucky bill to make fluoridation optional did not pass but may be reintroduced in 2025. Meanwhile, New Jersey is considering legislation to mandate fluoride addition.
In summary, while fluoride continues to be a topic of debate, major health organizations endorse its use in drinking water as a significant public health measure to enhance oral health.
