The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it will begin the process of removing prescription fluoride drops and tablets for children from the market.
These supplements are usually given to kids at high risk for cavities, especially those living in areas where drinking water lacks fluoride.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said the agency is concerned that ingesting fluoride could harm children’s gut bacteria, which are important for digestion and overall health.
The FDA’s statement also mentioned possible links between fluoride and weight gain, thyroid problems, and lower IQ, though experts say the evidence is weak or inconclusive.
Dr. Makary emphasized that the best way to prevent cavities is by reducing sugar intake and practicing good dental hygiene, rather than relying on fluoride supplements.
The FDA plans to complete a safety review and public comment period by October 31, after which it may require these products to be taken off the market. Unlike fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinses, which are used topically, these drops and tablets are swallowed by infants and toddlers.
The decision has sparked debate. Many dentists argue that fluoride’s benefits in preventing tooth decay outweigh any risks.
Margherita Fontana, a dental professor, warned that removing fluoride supplements could lead to more children suffering from cavities, similar to past generations who lost teeth early.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of fluoride, supported the FDA’s move, calling it “long overdue.” Some states, including Utah and Florida, have recently banned adding fluoride to public water supplies.
Currently, fluoride supplements require a prescription from a dentist or pediatrician and are recommended only for children at high risk of cavities in low-fluoride areas. The FDA’s action will leave fluoride toothpaste and other topical products as the main tools for protecting children’s teeth.
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