© Shutterstock

RFK Jr.’s stance on fluoride -

RFK Jr. hopes to have a significant role in healthcare in Trump's administration when the new president takes office. He has stated that one of his first moves would be to advise that fluoride be removed from water supplies in the US.

© Getty Images

RFK Jr.'s social media post -

RFK Jr. wrote in a social media post that "fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease."

© Shutterstock

Trump’s response to RFK Jr. -

Trump said this fluoride removal proposal sounded okay to him. Trump mentioned talking to RFK Jr and "other people" but said that ultimately he'd make the final call.

© Getty Images

RFK Jr.'s proposed role in a Trump administration -

Trump suggested that the former environmental lawyer, RFK Jr. would be the one to oversee a health portfolio in his upcoming administration.

© Getty Images

Public health practice of fluoridation -

Fluoridation is the public health practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to prevent tooth decay and improve dental health. This measure has been shown to reduce cavities, especially in children, by strengthening tooth enamel.

© Shutterstock

What is fluoride? -

According to the CDC, fluoride is a mineral that is found in nature, specifically in water and rocks. Additionally, it can be a byproduct of some industries.

© Getty Images

Controversies surrounding fluoride -

In September 2024, a federal judge ordered the US Environmental Protection Agency to regulate fluoride found in drinking water. There was speculation that higher levels of the mineral might affect the intellectual development of children.

© Shutterstock

Court ruling on fluoride and children’s health -

In a ruling by US District Judge Edward Chen, he said it's not explicitly clear whether fluoride added to the water is causing a drop in kids' IQs.

© Shutterstock

Experts call for more research -

Experts agree that more research is needed to understand fluoride's effects on the entire population including young children.

© Shutterstock

Fluoride and IQ in children -

In August, a federal review was published by the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which concluded that fluoride in high levels is linked to a lower IQ in children.

© Shutterstock

Fluoride levels and IQ findings -

Studies were done with fluoride levels at about twice the US recommended limit. It was also noted, however, that lower levels of exposure were less definitive.

© Shutterstock

Study on pregnancy and fluoride -

A 2019 study examining Canadian mothers and their children found that for every additional 1 milligram per liter of fluoride in a mother's urine, boys experienced a 4.5-point decrease in IQ. The study did not observe a similar effect in girls and did not investigate the reason for this gender difference.

© Shutterstock

Fluoride’s role in preventing cavities -

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended fluoride as a cost-effective way to improve America's oral health.

© Getty Images

Risks of long-term high fluoride exposure -

If you are exposed to levels of fluoride above the recommended amount, it can lead to a rare condition that causes joint pain and weakened bones. 

© Getty Images

Fluoride and cancer: current findings -

According to the American Cancer Society and the CDC, no link currently exists between cancer and fluoride levels.

© Shutterstock

Fluoride and birth defects -

The CDC has also confirmed that birth defects aren't caused by fluoride.

© Shutterstock

Why fluoride is in water supplies -

In 1945, fluoride was first added to public water systems. It helps strengthen the outer protective layer of tooth enamel and ultimately aids in preventing tooth decay.

© Shutterstock

Fluoridation history in the US -

According to the CDC, nearly three-quarters of the US population, or about 209 million people, access drinking water from systems that contain fluoride.

© Shutterstock

Local control over fluoride use -

For the most part, state and local governments control the water supply across the US.

© Shutterstock

Areas against fluoride -

Certain areas such as Portland, Oregon, and Tucson, Arizona, have decided not to add fluoride to their water.

© Shutterstock

Toothpaste vs. water fluoridation -

Since the 1970s, the use of toothpaste containing fluoride has been widespread. Recently, according to studies, water with fluoride in it might not be as impactful as it once was.

© Shutterstock

Cochrane Collaboration report -

A report was published by the Cochrane Collaboration, an independent group that analyzes scientific research, in October 2024. They found only a small benefit to adding fluoride to tap water.

© Shutterstock

American Dental Association's stance -

The American Dental Association disagrees though, and says that adding fluoride to water is the most effective measure in preventing tooth decay.

© Shutterstock

CDC’s position on fluoridation -

The CDC stands behind the decision to add fluoride to water and says it is a cost-effective way to deliver fluoride to varying members of society regardless of their age, education level, or income.

© Shutterstock

Fluoride in dental treatments -

We usually come across more fluoride while visiting the dentist. They can apply a fluoride varnish, foam, or gel that will help decrease tooth decay.

© Shutterstock

Fluoride intake recommendations for children -

Fluoride intake is most important in infants and children of six months to 16 years old.

© Shutterstock

Benefits of fluoride for adults -

Adults also benefit from fluoride, especially if they have dry mouth, gum disease, a history of tooth decay, or crowns, bridges, braces, or removable dentures.

© Shutterstock

Fluorosis -

Fluorosis is a condition caused by taking in too much fluoride. It is often seen as white spots or streaks on teeth. It usually occurs during the developmental years of the teeth and is mostly mild, but higher levels of fluoride can lead to more severe enamel discoloration or pitting.

Sources: (CNN Health) (Clevland Clinic) (National Institue of Dental and Craniofacial Research)

See also: How does our environment affect our health?

© Shutterstock