The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have announced that they are due to remove fluoride supplements for children from the market. These supplements are intended for children at high risk of tooth decay. Despite the benefits of fluoride, there have been concerns over the impact its exposure has on children. The plan to remove the supplements has led to some criticism.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have announced that they are set to remove ingestible fluoride supplements for children from the market [1].
Fluoride is a crucial ingredient in toothpaste, but there have been some concerns over the impact its exposure has on children. The topic of fluoride is proving to be controversial currently.
The announcement has led to some criticism, with concerns that the removal will impact the oral health of children in a negative way.
What are ingestible fluoride products?
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally. It has proven benefits for our oral health, with research consistently showing that it strengthens our enamel, helps fight tooth decay, and can limit the damage of harmful bacteria [2].
Fluoride is found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral health products. It is also found in small quantities in water. Some states and nations use water fluoridation – a practice which involves adding fluoride to the public water supply.
The products due to be removed are ingestible fluoride supplements. Unlike toothpaste with fluoride as an ingredient, these ingestible products are swallowed.
In the past, when children aged between 6 months and 16 years were considered to be at high risk for tooth decay, fluoride prescriptions could be issued [1].
They effectively act as fluoride supplements. These products typically come in the form of tablets, drops, or lozenges [1].
The statement
The FDA released a statement to say that ingestible fluoride products are due to be pulled from the market [1].
Interestingly, the statement pointed out that these products have never actually been approved for use by the FDA [1].
The statement noted that there is a concern that ingested fluoride can alter the microbiome of the gut, which may affect the development of the gut during childhood [1].
Moreover, the statement also noted that other research has suggested an association between fluoride and thyroid disorders, weight gain, and even a decrease in IQ [1].
The FDA has set a deadline of 31st October 2025 for a safety review and public comment period to take place. Following this, it is due to remove the products [1].
The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research will conduct further research into the topic to better inform parents and healthcare providers [1].
Comments on the statement
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary commented on the situation. He says that “the best way to prevent cavities in children is by avoiding excessive sugar intake and good dental hygiene, not by altering a child’s microbiome” [1].
Continuing, Makary posited that “for the same reason that fluoride may kill bacteria on teeth, it may also kill intestinal bacteria important for a child’s health” [1].
Makary says that “when it comes to children, we should err on the side of safety” [1]. Whenever children are involved, there is often caution exerted.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy praised the decision, suggesting that “ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue” [1].
Kennedy suggested that this decision “directly safeguards the health and development of our children” [1]. Continuing, Kennedy said that “this decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again” [1].
Fluoride is proving to be a contentious topic in the United States currently. While it has often caused controversy, recent months have seen increased scrutiny on its use in the public water supply.
Kennedy has criticized fluoride use in the past. He has said that the chemical is “an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease” [3].
It appears these concerns are shared by others, with Utah recently becoming the first American state to ban fluoride in public drinking water [3].
Criticism
There has been some criticism though of the FDA’s statement, and the wider approach of seemingly moving away from fluoridated water.
The American Dental Association (ADA) are among those to be in support of water fluoridation. The ADA released a paper in 2010 which recommended supplemental fluoride for children up to 16 years [4]. They believe this paper remains factual.
Dr. Brett Kessler is the President of the ADA. In response to the statement, Kessler said “at this critical time in American health care policy, it is vital that we slow down to properly study the full implications of actions like this on the health of the nation” [4].
The ADA have specifically voiced their concern over the impact this will have on certain populations, with Kessler saying the FDA’s plan will “be particularly harmful to the most vulnerable and those who lack access to care” [4].
There are concerns that the oral health of children will suffer as a result of this removal. Others have argued it will protect children.
It is important to note that the removal may not go ahead. As mentioned earlier, the FDA have set a deadline of 31st October for a scientific review to take place. The ADA certainly hope the removal is halted.
Thinking points…
[1] There is a lot of concern and confusion currently around fluoride. But one thing that is certain is the benefits fluoride have for our teeth. Therefore, if you are among those who are considering changing to a non-fluoride toothpaste, it is important that you avoid doing so! Similarly, if you have family members who are expressing their own concerns, you could send them this article to provide them with some knowledge!
[2] Around 63% of American citizens have access to fluoridated water. But whether you live in an area with fluoridated water or not, this doesn’t change the fact that it is crucial to visit your dentist on a regular basis for a check-up. At a check-up, a dentist can thoroughly analyze your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment if needed. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign[TM]! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2025). FDA Begins Action To Remove Ingestible Fluoride Prescription Drug Products for Children from the Market. Available: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-begins-action-remove-ingestible-fluoride-prescription-drug-products-children-market. Last accessed: 24th May 2025.
[1] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2025). Fluoride & Dental Health. Available: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/fluoride. Last accessed: 24th May 2025.
[3] Yousif, N. (2025). Utah becomes first US state to ban fluoride in its water. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gmggp2y99o. Last accessed: 24th May 2025.
[4] Oral Health. (2025). FDA to remove ingestible fluoride prescription drugs for children from U.S. market. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/fda-to-remove-ingestible-fluoride-prescription-drugs-for-children-from-u-s-market-1003986812/. Last accessed: 24th May 2025.
