Fluoride has been a staple in dental care for ages, known mainly for its role in preventing cavities and fighting tooth decay. However, a recent meta-analysis suggests that it might have some “detrimental effects” on pregnant women and infants. Researchers have looked into various studies and found that fluoride exposure might not offer significant benefits to the fetus or young infants. The study, published in the Annual Review of Public Health, points out that systemic fluoride could harm bone strength, thyroid function, and cognitive development.
The analysis indicates that giving systemic fluoride to entire communities could pose more risks than benefits for pregnant women, fetuses, and infants. Philippe Grandjean, a researcher involved in the study, emphasized to Fox News Digital that “fluoride is toxic to early brain development.” He also mentioned that the source of fluoride doesn’t matter—whether it’s in drinking water or toothpaste, which should not be swallowed.
In light of these findings, Grandjean suggested avoiding certain types of black tea, particularly those from regions with fluoride-rich soils like parts of East Africa, China, and India. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still maintains that fluoride helps strengthen teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost through daily wear and tear.
The review also noted that while access to fluoride has increased over the years, its benefits are mainly topical, implying there’s little need for widespread community fluoridation. During a recent appearance on “The Story With Martha MacCallum,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, stated that “exposure to fluoride is dose-related,” implying that more fluoride could lead to lower IQ levels.
Kennedy further explained that the initial belief in the 1940s was that systemic fluoride in water would help prevent cavities, but it turns out its benefits are topical. He also mentioned that fluoride is linked to extreme losses in bone density. With about 75% of Americans drinking fluoridated water, Kennedy argued that there’s no need to have it in the water supply since we have toothpaste and mouthwashes for topical application.
He plans to advise the CDC to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water, according to the Associated Press. Utah recently became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, with Governor Spencer Cox signing the bill into law. This decision was well-received by supporters of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
Other states like Ohio, South Carolina, and Florida are considering similar measures, with proposals to limit local governments or water system operators from adding fluoride to water. As this debate continues, the conversation around the benefits and risks of fluoride remains a hot topic in health circles.
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My uncle that was raised in California was critical of fluoride way back in the 60’s and 70’s and researched this element and found it to be toxic to those who were developing youth and babies and now the truth comes out but to late for those who were affected by this element fluoride which is supposed to be topical and not to be ingested in our drinking water.