Fluoride has long been praised for its role in preventing cavities and supporting dental health. But a new meta-analysis is challenging that narrative, warning of potential health risks—particularly for pregnant women and infants.
Published in the Annual Review of Public Health, the analysis examined multiple studies and concluded that systemic fluoride exposure provides little benefit to fetuses and young infants, while posing potential health threats.
Potential Health Risks
Researchers linked systemic fluoride exposure to:
- Reduced bone strength
- Impaired thyroid function
- Possible cognitive development issues
“Fluoride is toxic to early brain development,” said Philippe Grandjean, study co-author and professor of environmental medicine at the University of Southern Denmark.
“This applies regardless of the fluoride source—from drinking water to toothpaste. In fact, fluoridated toothpaste should be used carefully and not swallowed.”
Grandjean also advised against drinking certain types of black tea, especially those sourced from fluoride-rich soils in parts of East Africa, China, and India.
Reassessing the Role of Fluoride
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that fluoride helps strengthen teeth by replacing minerals lost through daily wear, the review argues that its primary benefits are topical, not systemic.
“The idea that fluoride needs to be ingested is outdated,” said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a recent interview on The Story With Martha MacCallum.
“The more fluoride you consume, the more your IQ may be affected. Fluoride’s benefits come from topical use—there’s no reason for it to be in our water.”
Kennedy also cited studies linking fluoride intake to significant losses in bone density and has announced plans to urge the CDC to stop endorsing community water fluoridation.
Policy Changes Gaining Momentum
Currently, around 75% of Americans—over 200 million people—consume fluoridated water. But that may change soon.
Utah recently became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, with Governor Spencer Cox signing the legislation into law last month. The move has been praised by advocates of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
Similar legislation has been proposed in Ohio, South Carolina, and Florida, signaling a broader push to reassess and restrict fluoride use in public water systems.
