A toddler exhibits off her enamel after a dental examination in Harmony, N.H., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024. Credit score: AP Picture/Robert F. Bukaty, file
The Meals and Drug Administration on Friday moved to restrict using fluoride dietary supplements used to strengthen kids’s enamel, the most recent motion by Well being Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his deputies towards a chemical that could be a mainstay of dental care.
The FDA mentioned that the merchandise are now not really useful for youngsters youthful than 3 and those that are older however do not face severe dangers of tooth decay. Beforehand, the merchandise have been prescribed for youngsters as younger as six months.
The motion stopped wanting FDA statements in Could suggesting regulators would search the removing of the merchandise from the market. As a substitute, the company despatched letters to 4 firms warning them to not market their merchandise exterior the brand new limits.
Fluoride tablets and lozenges are typically really useful for youngsters and teenagers at elevated danger of tooth decay or cavities due to low fluoride of their native consuming water. Firms additionally promote drops for infants.
The FDA launched a brand new scientific evaluation Friday, concluding that fluoride dietary supplements have restricted advantages for youngsters’s enamel and could also be linked to rising security issues, together with intestine points, weight acquire and cognition.
“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,” the company mentioned in a press release.
The company additionally despatched a type letter to dentists and different well being suppliers warning in regards to the dangers of the merchandise.
These claims have been disputed by the American Dental Affiliation, which has mentioned there aren’t any important well being issues related to fluoride when used on the ranges prescribed by dentists. The dietary supplements may cause recognizing or discoloration of enamel as a result of further fluoride, a draw back the FDA additionally famous.
Dentists have warned that limiting fluoride dietary supplements could end in extra cavities and dental issues in rural communities, that are much less prone to have fluoridated water. Kennedy can be looking for to finish the apply of including fluoride to consuming water all through the U.S.
Fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces cavities by changing minerals misplaced throughout regular put on and tear, in keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. In 1962, the company set pointers for a way a lot needs to be added to water.
Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has referred to as fluoride a “dangerous neurotoxin” tied to a spread of well being risks.
The FDA regulates most dental merchandise, together with fluoride-containing toothpastes, dietary supplements, mouthwashes and rinses. The company’s actions do not have an effect on toothpastes, mouthwash or fluoride therapies utilized by adults or these provided in dentists’ workplaces.
© 2025 The Related Press. All rights reserved. This materials might not be printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.
Quotation:
FDA restricts use of children’ fluoride dietary supplements citing rising well being dangers (2025, November 1)
retrieved 1 November 2025
from https://medicalxpress.com/information/2025-11-fda-restricts-kids-fluoride-supplements.html
This doc is topic to copyright. Aside from any truthful dealing for the aim of personal research or analysis, no
half could also be reproduced with out the written permission. The content material is offered for data functions solely.
