Skip to content 
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for removing fluoride from the U.S. water supply, claiming it could have negative effects on health.
- Fluoridation of water has been hailed as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, preventing cavities and saving billions in dental costs.
- Donald Trump has said that the idea “sounds OK” to him, showing a willingness to consider Kennedy’s proposal.
- Experts widely reject Kennedy’s claims, emphasizing fluoride’s proven benefits in preventing tooth decay.
Fluoride: A Public Health Triumph or a Problem?
Fluoride in the water has long been celebrated as a major success in public health. Since the first city, Grand Rapids, Michigan, added fluoride to its water in 1945, it has been credited with preventing millions of cavities, reducing dental costs by billions, and improving the oral health of children.
But Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaking during a rally for Trump, has taken a controversial stand, proposing that the U.S. remove fluoride from its public water systems. Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine views, claimed that fluoride poses serious health risks. His suggestion was echoed by Trump, who, in a recent interview, said the idea “sounds OK” to him.
Kennedy’s Position and Trump’s Response:
On Saturday, Kennedy posted on social media, claiming that if elected, one of his first actions would be to advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride. He linked this idea to a video by Del Bigtree, a known anti-vaccine advocate.
In an interview the following day, Trump appeared open to the idea, saying, “Well, I haven’t talked to him about it yet, but it sounds OK to me.” His response has sparked concerns among public health officials.
Related: 2024 us election results
Public Health Experts Push Back:
The medical community, however, has strongly criticized the idea. Dr. Paul Offit, a researcher and physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, dismissed Kennedy’s claims as scientifically unfounded. “Fluoride has been well tested and has clear, proven benefits,” he said, adding that the chemical has been shown to decrease cavities significantly without any connection to the chronic diseases that Kennedy cited.
Fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is backed by numerous studies, including ones from the American Dental Association, which shows that fluoride in drinking water reduces tooth decay by about 25% in children and adults. It is particularly beneficial for those in lower-income households who may not have access to other fluoride sources, such as toothpaste or mouth rinses.
The Real-World Impact of Fluoridation:
Dr. Amanda Stroud, a dentist in North Carolina, sees the stark difference fluoride makes in oral health. “Children who drink fluoridated water often have strong, healthy teeth,” she explains. “But those who drink water without fluoride can suffer severe decay, which makes eating and smiling painful.”
Fluoride is particularly important in preventing decay in children who might otherwise be unable to afford dental treatments. Studies show that fluoridation saves billions in dental costs annually, a figure that some communities are unwilling to lose, especially in areas with limited access to dental care.
The History of Fluoride Controversy:
Kennedy’s call to remove fluoride from drinking water taps into a longstanding controversy that dates back to the 1960s. The John Birch Society, a right-wing group, once accused the government of using fluoride as a mind-control tool or a chemical weapon, contributing to anti-fluoride movements across the country. These theories were largely debunked, but they have resurfaced in recent years, particularly among the same circles that question vaccine safety and promote other conspiracies.
Kennedy’s Push for a ‘Trump Mandate’:
Kennedy has positioned himself as a leading figure in the fight against what he sees as government corruption in health agencies. In a video posted Monday, he urged supporters to vote for Trump, suggesting that a Trump presidency would give him the authority to enact sweeping changes, including fluoride removal.
However, experts, such as Dr. Offit, warn that Kennedy’s stance on public health issues could have dire consequences, especially for children. “It’s only the children who will suffer his ignorance,” Offit remarked.
The Takeaway:
While Kennedy and Trump may have gained attention with their stance on fluoride, the overwhelming consensus among public health experts is that fluoridation remains a crucial tool for preventing tooth decay. Fluoride’s clear benefits in reducing cavities and dental expenses are well-documented and continue to outweigh the speculative risks promoted by conspiracy theorists. If the Trump administration embraces Kennedy’s advice, it could reverse decades of public health progress and harm the very people it is supposed to protect.
