A Shift in Dental Care: The FDA's Move to Revoke Prescription Fluoride for Kids
Government plans to withdraw fluoride-based medications intended for pediatric use from the market within the United States. - U.S. federals plan to pull fluoride children's medication from circulation.
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has kicked off the process to scrap prescription fluoride medications for little ones. Unlike fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes, these products are swallowed by infants and young children. These drugs, surprisingly, were never officially approved by the FDA. This move signals the beginning of a consultation period with experts, running until the end of October.
According to Health Minister Robert Kennedy Jr., it's about "time to bid adieu to fluoride as an ingestible substance." He's been a relentless crusader against fluoride as a food supplement or in products since taking office.
Among his pledges during his campaign was a promise to cease fluoridating tap water. This practice, started in 1945, was once celebrated by U.S health authorities as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century due to its cavity-preventing properties. However, there are growing apprehensions about the potential damaging effects of excessive fluoride consumption in children, notably neurological damage.
As of now, the drinking water for approximately 200 million Americans is fluoridated, which equates to nearly two-thirds of the population.
Tackling Health Risks and Debating Alternatives
The FDA's concern revolves around potential health hazards linked to ingested fluoride. These comprise alterations to the gut microbiome, crucial for digestion and immunity, and potential ties to thyroid disorders, weight gain, and diminished IQ [1][3]. Instead, fluoride's benefits can be reaped through topical applications, such as toothpaste or community water fluoridation [1][3].
This decision is part of an ongoing controversy, with some advocating for the benefits of fluoride outweighing its risks. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the HHS Secretary, has been a vocal critic of fluoride [1][3].
A New Era in Dental Care, Public Health, and Regulation
The withdrawal of these products may lead to a transformation in dental care strategies, potentially boosting reliance on topical fluoride and community water fluoridation [3]. The FDA's decisive action could pave the way for stricter regulations on health supplements [2].
With children's oral health under intense scrutiny, there might be a heightened emphasis on preventive dental care and the importance of fluoride in other forms [1][3]. This update is likely to generate further debate on fluoride safety and possibly impact policy on other health supplements [3].
[1] The New York Times: Fluoride: 50 Years On - Pros and Cons. Accessed 10 May 2023.[2] The Hill: FDA to revoke prescription fluoride drugs for kids. Accessed 10 May 2023.[3] CNN: Fluoride: What parents need to know. Accessed 10 May 2023.
- The FDA's decision to revoke prescription fluoride medications for kids emphasizes the emphasis on topical applications of fluoride, such as toothpaste, for health-and-wellness purposes, rather than ingesting it.
- In light of the FDA's move to regulate health supplements more stringently, there might be a growing debate on the pros and cons of fluoride and its safety in various forms, potentially impacting public health and dental care strategies.
