The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it will begin eliminating certain fluoride prescription drugs for children, aiming to move away from outdated practices connected to child health.
According to Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, this initiative is part of broader efforts to safeguard the health of American children by removing unapproved ingestible fluoride medications from the market. He noted that these types of medications prescribed to young children have never received FDA approval and could adversely impact the gut microbiome, cause potential thyroid issues, lead to weight gain, and even lower IQ levels. “This isn’t just a public health concern,” he added.
Nixon emphasized that this action supports the commitment to prioritize science in child health, furthering the “Make America Healthy Promise.”
The FDA started the process of withdrawing concentrated ingestible fluoride drugs for children on Tuesday.
Fluoride is often used to prevent dental decay and cavities.
Fluoride prescription tablets given to at-risk children, as stated by FDA head Marty McCurry, are unapproved and may alter gut microbiota, which might contribute to thyroid dysfunction, weight gain, and possibly decreased IQ.
Unlike fluoride in toothpaste, these ingestible forms are swallowed.
In a statement, McCurry said that children can avoid tooth decay effectively by reducing sugar intake rather than altering their microbiota, which is essential for digestive health.
He reiterated that good dental hygiene and limiting sugar are the best strategies for preventing cavities in children instead of modifying gut bacteria. “While fluoride can eliminate bacteria that cause tooth decay, it can also harm beneficial intestinal bacteria,” he mentioned.
The FDA has directed its Drug Assessment and Research Center to evaluate the systemic risk of fluoride from pediatric ingestible drugs.
Nixon also indicated that a thorough safety review is set to begin, which will include public input, with plans to finalize the review by October 31st.
According to Nixon, the department is committed to offering clear guidelines for safe and effective dental practices that do not compromise gut health.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remarked that the prolonged delay in addressing ingestible fluoride use highlights the urgency of protecting children’s health and development.
In response to these developments, Kennedy expressed gratitude for McCurry’s leadership, suggesting this step brings the nation closer to fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to enhancing public health.
Both Utah and Florida have taken significant steps, with Utah recently banning fluoride in public drinking water and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signing legislation to prohibit fluoride additives. DeSantis emphasized the importance of individual choice and informed consent regarding fluoride in public water supplies, which he referred to as essentially forced medication.
However, some local dental professionals and proponents of fluoride argue that these measures may undermine dental health for residents who depend on it.
