HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Admits Fluoride Removal Likely Increases Cavities

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged that removing fluoride from public drinking water would likely result in more cavities, particularly affecting children without access to regular dental care. Despite this, Kennedy continues to advocate for banning fluoride, citing a controversial National Toxicology Program report suggesting a correlation between fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children, especially babies, though this report and its conclusions have faced significant criticism for methodological flaws. Kennedy pointed to Europe as an example, claiming some countries banned fluoride without seeing an increase in cavities; however, many European countries do not fluoridate water due to naturally sufficient fluoride levels rather than outright bans. Kennedy emphasized that parents should decide on fluoride use, stressing the perceived risks over benefits, while health experts maintain that fluoride's cavity-prevention benefits outweigh the suggested risks. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced his state would remove fluoride recommendations following Kennedy’s lead, as part of a broader health campaign. Overall, Kennedy’s stance has sparked debate between concerns over dental health benefits and potential neurodevelopmental risks linked to fluoride.