Following Robert F Kennedy Jr’s claims that US President Donald Trump would push to remove fluoride from public water, let’s understand how the move can impact health

On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S​. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease. President…

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) November 2, 2024

Later, while talking to NBC News, Trump said: “I haven’t talked to him about it yet, but it sounds OK to me,” adding: “It’s possible.”

Let’s understand what fluoride is and how it affects health

Isha Lall, a holistic health coach, said fluoride is a mineral naturally found in rocks, soil, and water sources. “Its role in preventing tooth decay was discovered in the early 20th century when researchers noticed lower rates of cavities in communities with naturally higher fluoride levels in the water. Since then, governments worldwide have added fluoride to municipal water supplies to help reduce tooth decay— particularly in children and adolescents,” she explained.

Our teeth’ enamel is constantly demineralised by acids from bacteria and food, especially sugars, leading to cavities over time. “Fluoride helps rebuild and strengthen tooth enamel, which protects teeth from decay and makes it a key ingredient in most toothpastes and mouthwashes,” she added.

Our teeth enamel is constantly demineralized by acids from bacteria and food, (Source: Freepik)

Is fluoride safe in drinking water?

The short answer is yes but with some conditions. “Fluoride is safe and effectively reduces dental decay when used at recommended levels. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that water with fluoride levels of about 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) is beneficial for dental health without posing risks. This amount is carefully regulated and falls well below what would cause harm,” said Lall.

What happens when you remove fluoride from drinking water?

Dr Suchismitha Rajamanya, Lead Consultant and Head of Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, shared that removing fluoride from water does not have much of an impact on internal health.

However, an excess can lead to joint pain or difficulty in movement after some time – resulting in skeletal fluorosis. “Conditions correlated to lethargy and weight changes may point at the thyroid suffering from excess amounts of fluoride. The presence of high levels of fluoride exacerbates the functioning of the kidneys, adding to the symptoms experienced by the patients,” she added.

Dr Niyati Arora, BDS, MDS (prosthodontist) at Krown Hub Dental Clinic, Pitampura, mentioned that it is crucial to maintain an optimum level of fluoride in water to prevent the early onset of caries, especially in youngsters. An excess of it may lead to dental fluorosis, where the enamel becomes weak and prone to the development of caries.

With fluoridated toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional treatments readily available, Lall shared that some people get plenty of fluoride without needing it in their drinking water. However, fluoridated water still serves a public health function for populations with limited access to dental care or oral hygiene products.

*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*