US FDA Limits Use of Fluoride Supplements for Children Over Safety Concerns
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps to restrict the use of fluoride supplements in children, citing emerging health risks including gut issues, weight gain, and potential impacts on cognition.
The decision affects over-the-counter (OTC) products containing fluoride for children under 3 years old, as well as those older but without a significant risk of tooth decay. Previously, these products were prescribed for babies as young as six months old.
The FDA warns that using fluoride supplements may alter the gut microbiome and could have broader health implications. The agency has also expressed concerns about discoloration of teeth due to excessive fluoride levels.
However, the American Dental Association disputes these claims, stating there are no significant health problems associated with fluoride when used at recommended levels by dentists.
Dentists caution that restricting access to fluoride supplements may increase cavities and dental issues in rural communities, which often lack fluoridated water. Former Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to end the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water nationwide.
Fluoride supplements work by replacing minerals lost during tooth wear, reducing cavities. In 1962, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set guidelines for water fluoridation levels. Kennedy has described fluoride as a "dangerous neurotoxin" linked to various health risks.
The FDA regulates most dental products, including fluoride-containing toothpastes, supplements, mouthwashes, and rinses. This decision does not affect adult products or those offered in dentists' offices.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken steps to restrict the use of fluoride supplements in children, citing emerging health risks including gut issues, weight gain, and potential impacts on cognition.
The decision affects over-the-counter (OTC) products containing fluoride for children under 3 years old, as well as those older but without a significant risk of tooth decay. Previously, these products were prescribed for babies as young as six months old.
The FDA warns that using fluoride supplements may alter the gut microbiome and could have broader health implications. The agency has also expressed concerns about discoloration of teeth due to excessive fluoride levels.
However, the American Dental Association disputes these claims, stating there are no significant health problems associated with fluoride when used at recommended levels by dentists.
Dentists caution that restricting access to fluoride supplements may increase cavities and dental issues in rural communities, which often lack fluoridated water. Former Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to end the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water nationwide.
Fluoride supplements work by replacing minerals lost during tooth wear, reducing cavities. In 1962, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set guidelines for water fluoridation levels. Kennedy has described fluoride as a "dangerous neurotoxin" linked to various health risks.
The FDA regulates most dental products, including fluoride-containing toothpastes, supplements, mouthwashes, and rinses. This decision does not affect adult products or those offered in dentists' offices.
. those rural communities are already struggling with dental issues and lack of access to healthcare... it's like we're creating a bigger problem by taking away a potential solution 
.
. i know some people are saying that there are no significant health problems at recommended levels, but what if we're not even using them correctly? 
. let's hope the FDA and dental associations can find a way to strike a balance between safety and accessibility 
.
that's like, a lot! the FDA is trying to limit this because apparently excessive fluoride consumption can lead to problems like weight gain, gut issues, and even cognitive impairment 
it's crazy how one mineral can have such a big impact on our health! 
btw, some states already regulate fluoride levels in tap water, so maybe this is just another step towards more transparency? 
, like whats wrong with a lil bit of extra calcium? back in my day we didnt need no stinkin' supplement to keep our teeth clean 
. and what's with the FDA trying 2 limit it 4 kids as young as 6 months old 
anyway, I'm just worried about these rural kids who dont have access 2 fluoridated water 
. seems like we're makin a mess outta nothin' 
. But at the same time, I can see how dentists would say that fluoride's been proven to work for preventing cavities, and it's already a staple in a lot of communities... maybe there's a way to find a middle ground? Like, instead of restricting supplements altogether, we could have stricter guidelines for use, or make sure there are other alternatives available for kids who need 'em 
. And what about all those rural communities that rely on fluoride-rich water? It's gonna make things way harder for them to keep their teeth healthy. I'm all for being cautious, but it feels like the FDA is just cutting off a lifeline for some families without giving 'em a better alternative 
But I guess the FDA is all like "nope, let's be cautious"... I get that, but at what cost? More kids might end up with gut issues or weight gain... that doesn't sound good to me 
. And what about those rural communities that don't have fluoridated water? It's gonna be a real problem if they can't access these supplements 
. I wish Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would have done more research on this before making such big claims... but I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out 