A photo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration campus in Silver Spring, Maryland, taken on October 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to start removing prescription fluoride products for children from the market. These drugs, which include fluoride supplements, have never received FDA approval for use in children, the agency said.
The decision follows growing concerns over the effects of ingestible fluoride on children’s gut health. Studies show that fluoride supplements can disrupt the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in early childhood development. This new move aims to safeguard children’s health and prevent any potential long-term health issues that may arise due to these supplements.
The FDA has set a target date of October 31 to complete a safety review and gather public comments. By the end of October, the agency plans to take necessary actions to remove these products from the shelves.
Fluoride, a natural mineral found in water, soil, and air, is known to help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel of teeth against acids produced by bacteria. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that fluoride supplements are typically prescribed to children at high risk of cavities. These supplements are usually in tablet form and are chewed by children.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. The Health Secretary expressed strong support for this decision, calling it “long overdue.” Kennedy had previously advocated for removing fluoride from public water, pointing to the lack of conclusive evidence linking the fluoride levels in water to serious health problems, such as cancer.
In addition to removing fluoride supplements, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is set to circulate new guidelines for dental care in children. These guidelines will focus on practices that are effective, safe, and do not disrupt gut health.
