Say Goodbye to Swallowed Fluoride for Kids: U.S. Government Action
Federal administration intends to abolish fluoride supplements for kids from commercial circulation - U.S. authorities plan to discontinue distribution of fluoride medicines for children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has kicked off a move to yank prescription fluoride medications for kiddos from the market, Health Ministry operatives confirmed. These prescriptions, unliked fluoride toothpaste or mouthwashes, are inordinately swallowed by infants and toddlers, and were never officially FDA-approved. The consultation phase, including experts, will extend till the end of October.
Robert Kennedy Jr., Health Minister, expressed, "It's about time to shelf the use of fluoride for consuming." His quest against fluoride, whether as a food supplement or in products, has been one of his top priorities. Kennedy Jr. had previously pledged not to fluoridate tap water. This practice, launched in 1945, once praised by U.S. health authorities as one of the top public health triumphs of the 20th century due to its cavity-fighting capabilities, is now under the spotlight due to growing concerns about potential neurological damage in children from excessive fluoride intake.
Currently, the water supply of about 200 million U.S. inhabitants is fluoridated— approximately two-thirds of the country's populace.
Key Insights on Fluoride Safety
- Recent research claims a correlation between higher prenatal and childhood fluoride exposure and lower cognitive test scores, including IQ and specific abilities like perception and language skills[1][2][3].
- The National Toxicology Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a 2024 report stating that higher fluoride levels—above 1.5 milligrams per liter—are associated with lower IQ in children[3].
- Studies in countries with high water fluoride levels, such as Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Mexico, have shown possible links between excessive fluoride intake and adverse neurological issues in younglings[3].
Assorted Concerns Linked to Excessive Fluoride
- Dental Fluorosis: Excess fluoride during the tooth-development period (especially in early childhood) can result in tooth discoloration[1][5].
- Skeletal Fluorosis: Prolonged consumption of excessive fluoride levels may induce bone hardening, reduced elasticity, and increased fracture risk[1][3].
- Thyroid Issues: Certain evidence indicates that excessive fluoride could impact the parathyroid gland, potentially interfering with calcium metabolism and bone health[1].
Regulatory Actions and Recommendations
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises a water fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L to balance dental health benefits and the associated risk of fluorosis[1][3].
- The FDA's May 2025 announcement focuses on removing ingestible fluoride supplements for children due to potential harm, particularly regarding dental fluorosis and the need to avoid unnecessary exposure[4][5].
TL;DR - Taking Stock of Fluoride and Child Development
Optimal fluoride exposure is essential for dental health, but excessive intake during pregnancy and early childhood may cause neurological damage, lower cognitive abilities, and other developmental issues[1][2][3]. Public health recommendations seek to balance these health risks and dental benefits. Continuous scientific investigations and regulatory actions aim to safeguard children's well-being[1][2][3].
The FDA's decision to remove prescription fluoride medications for children from the market is a step towards ensuring the health-and-wellness and mental-health of kiddos, as these unofficially FDA-approved prescriptions have been linked to excessive fluoride intake and potential neurological damage. The ongoing consultation phase, including experts, will examine the safety of fluoride intake, considering recent research correlating high exposures to lower cognitive test scores, including IQ and specific abilities like perception and language skills.
The FDA's regulation of fluoride supplements for children follows guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which advises a water fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L to balance dental health benefits and the associated risk of fluorosis. Additionally, the FDA's recent announcement highlights a focus on removing ingestible fluoride supplements for children to avoid unnecessary exposure and potential harm, including dental fluorosis. Ongoing scientific investigations and regulatory actions aim to safeguard children's well-being and promote a balanced understanding of optimal fluoride exposure for overall health and development.
