**FDA Moves to Limit Use of Fluoride Supplements for Children’s Dental Care**
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced new restrictions on the use of fluoride supplements intended to strengthen children’s teeth. This latest move is part of ongoing actions led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team targeting the use of fluoride, a chemical long considered essential in dental care.
The FDA now advises against the use of fluoride supplements for children under 3 years old and for older children who are not at serious risk of tooth decay. Previously, fluoride supplements had been prescribed to children as young as six months.
While earlier statements from the FDA in May hinted at the possibility of removing these products from the market, the agency’s recent action stops short of that. Instead, the FDA has issued warning letters to four companies, instructing them not to market fluoride supplements outside the newly established guidelines.
**Purpose and Concerns Surrounding Fluoride Supplements**
Fluoride tablets and lozenges are sometimes recommended for children and teenagers at increased risk of cavities, especially in areas where local drinking water lacks sufficient fluoride levels. Fluoride drops are also commonly sold for infants.
On Friday, the FDA released a new scientific analysis concluding that fluoride supplements offer limited benefits for children’s dental health. Moreover, the supplements may be linked to emerging safety concerns such as gut issues, weight gain, and cognitive effects.
The agency stated, “For the same reason fluoride may work to kill bacteria on teeth, it may also alter the gut microbiome, which may have broader health implications.”
Alongside the warning letters to companies, the FDA also sent a form letter to dentists and healthcare providers highlighting the potential risks associated with fluoride supplements.
**Response from Dental Professionals**
These safety claims have been challenged by the American Dental Association (ADA), which maintains that fluoride, when used at recommended levels, does not cause significant health problems.
One known downside acknowledged by the FDA is that fluoride supplements can cause dental fluorosis—spotting or discoloration of teeth—due to excess fluoride intake.
Dentists have also expressed concern that restricting access to fluoride supplements could lead to an increase in cavities and other dental issues, particularly in rural communities where water fluoridation is less common.
**Broader Fluoride Policy and Ongoing Debate**
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been actively working to halt the practice of adding fluoride to public water supplies across the United States. Fluoride has been widely used because it strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost through normal wear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC set guidelines for fluoride levels in drinking water back in 1962. However, Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has labeled fluoride a “dangerous neurotoxin” linked to various health risks.
The FDA oversees most dental products, including fluoride-containing toothpastes, supplements, mouthwashes, and rinses. Notably, the agency’s current actions do not affect fluoride toothpastes, mouthwashes, or professional fluoride treatments used by adults or administered in dental offices.
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**Summary:**
The FDA’s new restrictions on fluoride supplements mark a significant shift in recommendations for pediatric dental care, balancing potential benefits against emerging safety concerns. As debate continues among health authorities, dental professionals, and policymakers, the impact on children’s dental health, especially in vulnerable communities, remains a key concern.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/01/health/fda-restricts-kids-fluoride-supplements-over-health-risks/
