Fact-Checking New US Health Secretary’s Claims On Fluoridation

In a surprising move that has drawn widespread criticism from public health experts and political opponents, President-elect Donald Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (pictured) as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy, known for his vocal skepticism on vaccines and food safety, now faces the challenge of leading a department responsible for regulating drug and vaccine safety, overseeing medical research, and managing Medicare and Medicaid.

The appointment marks a significant pivot from mainstream health policies. According to a report published on Newsweek, Kennedy has long campaigned against fluoridation of drinking water, claiming it poses a risk to public health. In a recent social media post, Kennedy asserted that the Trump administration would prioritize removing fluoride from public water systems, stating, “On Jan. 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water,” calling the substance “an industrial waste” associated with a host of health problems, including arthritis and thyroid disease.

The Science and History Behind Fluoride Use

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been a cornerstone of public health dentistry since the 1950s, praised for its role in preventing tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water fluoridation has reduced cavities by approximately 25%, and it is recognized as one of the top public health achievements of the 20th century.

The mineral works by helping to replenish lost minerals and strengthen the enamel on teeth, counteracting the acidic byproducts of bacterial activity in the mouth. “There is excellent, solid data going back 75 years showing that fluoride is safe and extremely effective at decreasing dental decay,” stated Dr. Aaron Yancoskie, associate dean at Touro College of Dental Medicine, in an interview with CBS News. Despite the availability of fluoride toothpaste and other products, drinking water remains the primary source of fluoride for many Americans, according to the CDC.

However, fluoride is not without its risks. Excessive exposure, particularly in young children, can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition that results in white or brown discoloration of the teeth. In response to growing concerns, federal health officials adjusted the recommended concentration of fluoride in drinking water in 2015 to reduce the risk of fluorosis.

A Shift in Global Fluoride Policies

Kennedy’s push against fluoridation could bring the United States closer in line with many European nations, where water fluoridation is uncommon. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and most of Scandinavia have opted against adding fluoride to their water, preferring the use of fluoride-containing dental products instead. “If Kennedy succeeds in persuading Trump to recommend against fluoridation, he would actually be aligning the United States with peer countries,” wrote Dr. Leana Wen in an opinion piece for The Washington Post. Wen, an emergency physician and public health professor, noted that while ending fluoridation might result in a slight increase in tooth decay, it could also reduce prenatal exposure to fluoride, which some studies suggest may impact child development.

In the United States, about 73% of the population currently receives fluoridated water. However, public opinion is shifting, and in recent years, several U.S. cities, including Portland, Oregon, and Wichita, Kansas, have voted against fluoridation measures. This trend has been further amplified by decisions in smaller localities across states like North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas, which have opted to discontinue the practice since 2023.

Emerging Research and Health Concerns

Recent studies have intensified the debate around fluoridation. Research highlighted by Newsweek points to potential risks associated with prenatal fluoride exposure. In August, the National Toxicology Program reported “with moderate confidence” that higher levels of fluoride exposure might be linked to lower IQ in children. The findings were based on studies involving fluoride concentrations at roughly twice the recommended limit for drinking water.

“I think this [report] is crucial in our understanding of this risk,” commented Ashley Malin, a researcher at the University of Florida who has studied the effects of elevated fluoride levels in pregnant women. She described the report as the most comprehensive and rigorously conducted of its kind.

Additionally, a 2023 Canadian study found significant cognitive impacts in children exposed to higher fluoride levels, with girls appearing to be more affected in areas such as executive function and cognitive flexibility. Further evidence from Mexico also showed a connection between maternal fluoride intake during pregnancy and developmental issues in offspring, including lower IQ and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Local and International Reactions

Kennedy’s appointment has sparked a wave of concern among dental and public health officials, who argue that halting water fluoridation could lead to an increase in tooth decay, especially in vulnerable communities. Data from Calgary, Canada, offers a glimpse of what might happen if fluoridation ends. The city discontinued its water fluoridation program in 2011, and since then, rates of severe cavities requiring dental surgery in children have been on the rise, according to the University of Calgary.

In the U.S., only Hawaii has officially banned water fluoridation statewide, while most states delegate the decision to local governments. The issue remains contentious, with strong opinions on both sides. Public health advocates emphasize the proven benefits of fluoride in preventing cavities, while opponents, including Kennedy, focus on emerging research that raises questions about potential long-term health effects.

As Kennedy prepares to take on his new role at HHS, his stance on fluoridation will likely be a focal point of his tenure. The decision to endorse or reject fluoridation policies could signal a significant shift in U.S. public health strategy, aligning it more closely with the approach taken by many European countries. The outcome may hinge on ongoing scientific research and the evolving landscape of public opinion.

Kennedy’s nomination underscores the complex and often polarized nature of public health policy in the United States. As the nation waits to see what direction the new administration will take, the debate over fluoride—once a seemingly settled issue—has resurfaced as a contentious topic at the intersection of science, policy, and public perception.