FDA Restricts Fluoride Supplements for Children Amid Safety Concerns

The FDA has announced new restrictions on fluoride supplements for children, no longer recommending their use for those under 3 years old and limiting use for older children to those at high risk of tooth decay. This change follows a recent scientific analysis indicating that these supplements provide limited dental benefits and may pose health risks such as gut microbiome disruption, weight gain, and cognitive effects. Although the FDA initially considered removing these products from the market, it has instead issued warning letters to manufacturers to restrict marketing according to the new guidelines. The American Dental Association disputes the FDA's safety concerns, maintaining that fluoride is safe at prescribed levels, though they acknowledge possible dental discoloration from excess fluoride. Dental professionals have expressed worries that limiting supplements could increase cavities, especially in rural areas with low water fluoridation. The policy shift aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s broader campaign against fluoride use, including calls to end water fluoridation.