Fluoride in prescription drugs under review by the Food and Drug Administration, despite broad approval from healthcare professionals and the general public
In a move that has sparked debate, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced its intention to ban prescription fluoride supplements. This decision comes as the FDA grapples with the risks and benefits of these supplements, which have never received official FDA approval.
The FDA's concerns center around the safety of ingested fluoride, citing potential risks to the gut microbiome, thyroid health, and neurodevelopment. Recent studies have linked significant fluoride exposure to lower IQs and other health issues.
However, the American Dental Association (ADA) strongly opposes the ban, arguing that removing these supplements could harm children in rural or underserved communities. The ADA advocates for evidence-based policies that maintain access to these supplements, emphasizing their importance when combined with other fluoride sources.
The ADA has offered to partner with the FDA to provide scientific input and peer-reviewed literature to guide policy decisions. As of the latest information, there is no specific mention of the American Academy of Pediatrics' stance on the FDA's plan.
Fluoride is widely recognized as effective in strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities, particularly in children living in areas without fluoridated water. The ADA emphasizes that these supplements are crucial for children in underserved communities lacking access to fluoridated water or consistent topical fluoride applications.
The question of adding or removing fluoride to public water is determined at the local level. Utah and Florida have banned the practice of adding fluoride to public drinking water, while most US residents live in a community where fluoride is added to the public drinking water. Interestingly, rates of fluoride prescriptions are higher in states where community fluoridation is least common.
The trend of declining fluoride prescription rates could be evidence of more thorough conversations between providers and patients. Dr. David Krol theorizes that this decline may be due to more informed discussions about individual risks for cavities and tooth decay.
The FDA's announcement to remove ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market by the end of October has stirred up a heated debate. While safety concerns are at the forefront, the ADA's concerns for the impact on underserved communities remain a significant factor in the ongoing discussion.
The FDA's announcement to ban prescription fluoride supplements has sparked debate, as it concerns the safety of gut microbiome, thyroid health, and neurodevelopment. The American Dental Association (ADA), on the other hand, argues that the ban could negatively impact children in rural or underserved communities, highlighting the importance of such supplements in health-and-wellness, particularly when combined with other fluoride sources.
