FDA puts restrictions on fluoride use for kids

RFK Jr. calls for an end to fluoride in water

Secretary of Well being Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he plans to direct the CDC to cease recommending fluoride in public water provides. LiveNOW’s Christina Evans explains with Howard Pollick, director of Dental Public Well being Residency at UC San Francisco.

The Meals and Drug Administration mentioned Friday it’s limiting the usage of fluoride dietary supplements used to strengthen kids’s enamel.

Here is what you’ll want to find out about fluoride and the FDA’s modifications:

What’s fluoride?

Massive picture:

Fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces cavities by changing the minerals misplaced throughout regular put on and tear, in line with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. In 1962, the company established pointers for the way a lot water ought to be added.

Fluoride lozenges and lozenges are generally advisable for youngsters and teenagers at elevated threat for tooth decay or cavities as a result of low fluoride ranges of their native consuming water. Corporations additionally promote drops for infants.

FILE – A toddler exhibits his enamel as a result of he has misplaced a tooth. Getty Photos

FDA Fluoride Adjustments

What they are saying:

The FDA mentioned fluoride merchandise are now not advisable for youngsters beneath age 3 and for youngsters who’re older however not at critical threat of tooth decay.

Dig deeper:

The FDA launched a brand new scientific evaluation Friday concluding that fluoride dietary supplements have restricted advantages for youngsters’s enamel and could also be linked to rising security issues, together with intestinal issues, weight acquire and cognition.

“For a similar motive that fluoride can kill micro organism on the enamel, it could additionally alter the intestine microbiome, which might have broader well being penalties.” The agency reported this in a statement.

Beforehand:

The merchandise are prescribed for youngsters from six months of age.

The opposite aspect:

The claims made Friday by the FDA have been disputed by the American Dental Affiliation, which has mentioned there aren’t any vital well being issues related to fluoride when used on the ranges prescribed by dentists. The dietary supplements could cause staining or discoloration of the enamel as a result of additional fluoride, a drawback that the FDA additionally famous.

Dentists have warned that limiting fluoride dietary supplements might result in extra cavities and dental issues in rural communities, that are much less prone to have fluoridated water.

NB:

The company’s actions don’t have an effect on toothpastes, mouthwashes or fluoride remedies utilized by adults or supplied in dental places of work.

RELATED: RFK Jr. says fluoride will be removed from drinking water if Trump wins

RFK ‘Fluoride neurotoxin’

Massive picture:

The fluoride change is the last action by Secretary of Well being Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his deputies.

What they are saying:

Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has known as fluoride a “harmful neurotoxin” linked to a variety of well being dangers.

Throughout the 2024 election cycle, he mentioned he would pressure to remove fluoride of consuming water if he have been a part of a brand new Trump administration.