Overview

• The FDA has initiated steps to phase out prescription fluoride tablets and drops for children, aiming for voluntary manufacturer withdrawal by October 31, 2025.
• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary highlighted risks such as gut microbiome disruption, thyroid issues, weight gain, and possible IQ reduction.
• Fluoride supplements are prescribed to children in areas with low water fluoridation, but they have never been formally approved by the FDA.
• Major health organizations, including the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, dispute the FDA’s claims, reaffirming fluoride’s safety and cavity-prevention benefits.
• Recent state bans on water fluoridation in Utah and Florida have increased reliance on fluoride supplements, raising concerns about access to dental care for underserved populations.