On Saturday, former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that if Donald Trump is elected president, his first action in office would be to remove fluoride from U.S. drinking water. Kennedy, a well-known figure in promoting disproven public health claims, shared this statement on the social media platform X, referring to fluoride as “an industrial waste” linked to various health issues. Trump has reportedly promised that Kennedy would “take care of health” if he joins the administration.
Understanding fluoride: A critical tool in public health
Fluoride, a mineral commonly found in groundwater, rocks, and plants, has been routinely added to drinking water and toothpaste for decades to improve dental health. Its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is widely recognized by health agencies globally. Fluoride, which binds to tooth enamel, forms a stronger mineral called fluorapatite, which improves teeth’s resistance to decay-causing bacteria, according to Professor Loc Do, a dental public health expert at the University of Queensland.
The World Health Organization endorses a safe fluoride limit of 1.5 parts per million (ppm) in drinking water, while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recommended 0.7 ppm since 2011.
The origins of fluoridation and its health implications
Fluoridation of public water began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945 after studies found lower rates of tooth decay in areas with naturally high fluoride levels. By 2012, more than 67% of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named one of the 20th century’s top public health interventions.
Despite Kennedy’s assertions, scientific studies have consistently found no credible evidence linking fluoridated water to severe health risks like osteoporosis or cancer. However, adverse effects such as skeletal and dental fluorosis can occur if fluoride is consumed in quantities far exceeding recommended levels. As Professor Oliver Jones from RMIT University explains, “Everything is a poison at high enough levels—even water.”
Controversies and research around fluoride safety
In recent years, research has investigated potential links between high fluoride exposure and cognitive effects in children. In August, the National Toxicology Program released a review suggesting a potential connection between fluoride levels above 1.5 ppm and lower IQ in children. However, studies with rigorous methodologies have not found consistent links between fluoridated water and developmental issues.
Global Fluoridation practices and the potential impact of Trump’s proposed ban
Countries including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and Brazil fluoridate drinking water to recommended levels. Public health experts view fluoridation as a passive yet effective method to reduce dental health disparities, particularly benefiting lower socioeconomic groups. In countries like Germany and Israel, where fluoride has been removed from drinking water, significant increases in dental decay were noted. Calgary, Canada, is set to reintroduce fluoridation in 2025 after dental cavities rose following the city’s 2011 removal of fluoride from its water supply.
Trump and Kennedy: A possible shift in U.S. Fluoride policy
Kennedy has become one of Trump’s key allies since suspending his independent run, and Trump’s endorsement of Kennedy’s plan to remove fluoride has sparked renewed debates over the future of this longstanding public health measure.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump commented on the potential move, stating, “It sounds OK to me,” although he and Kennedy have not discussed it directly.
As these discussions unfold, the potential ramifications of removing fluoride from drinking water in the U.S. could reshape the nation’s approach to dental health, with public health experts warning that such a decision would likely lead to increased dental decay and treatment costs, particularly in vulnerable populations.
