The Food and Drug Administration has begun the process of banning prescription fluoride tablets and lozenges for children. 

These tablets are usually recommended for children that are at an increased risk of tooth decay or cavities due to low fluoride in their local drinking water such as in states like Utah where the mineral is banned in water.  

Unlike toothpaste with fluoride or fluoride rinses, these products are swallowed and ingested by children. 

The mineral is known to strengthen teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the CDC.

In 1950, federal officials endorsed water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay, and in 1962 they set guidelines for how much should be added to water.

As of now, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact number of children in the US who receive fluoride tablets as many states still provide their residents with fluoride-added water. 

However, experts estimated a significant number of children receive some form of fluoride supplementation at a young age. 

However, now the US Department of Health and Human Services, led by Robert F Kennedy Jr, claims ingested fluoride has been shown to alter the gut microbiome and a government report concluded high levels of fluoride can harm brain development and is associated with a lower IQ. 

The federal agency claims there are scientific links between fluoride and thyroid disorders, weight gain and decreased intelligence – noting that the tablets have ‘never been FDA approved’. 

These tablets are usually recommended for children that are at an increased risk of tooth decay or cavities due to low fluoride in their local drinking water

Previous reviews by public health experts and dental professionals have not shown any serious health risks with the products in adults or children. 

A 2010 study from the American Dental Association recommended supplemental fluoride for children up to 16 years old who are at high risk of cavities and whose primary source of drinking water is deficient in fluoride.

The recommendation was based on a review of studies across different age groups done by an expert panel convened by the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs (CSA).

During the review, the experts addressed the following questions: when and for whom should fluoride supplements be prescribed and what should be the recommended dosage schedule for dietary fluoride supplements. 

They also found out that the most common side effect associated with the products is spotting or discoloration of the teeth, caused by extra fluoride. 

Some common brands of fluoride tablets include Luride, Fluoritab and Pediaflor. 

The CDC recommends one milligram tablets for children between the ages of four to eight, 2mgs for nine to 13 years of age and 3mgs for teenagers between 14 to 18 years old. 

However, FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary said in a news release today: ‘The best way to prevent cavities in children is by avoiding excessive sugar intake and good dental hygiene, not by altering a child’s microbiome. 

‘For the same reason that fluoride may kill bacteria on teeth, it may also kill intestinal bacteria important for a child’s health, said in the release.

‘I am instructing our Center for Drug Evaluation and Research to evaluate the evidence regarding the risks of systemic fluoride exposure from FDA-regulated pediatric ingestible fluoride prescription drug products to better inform parents and the medical community on this emerging area. 

‘When it comes to children, we should err on the side of safety.’

The FDA said the evaluation on the tablets and lozenges should be completed by October 31. 

If fluoride supplements are taken off the market, children will only be left with either fluoridated toothpaste and/or mouthwash to help strengthen teeth. 

Since the announcement, RFK Jr also released a statement expressing gratitude and said that the decision will move the MAHA movement ahead

Since the announcement, RFK Jr also released a statement expressing gratitude and said that the decision will move the MAHA movement ahead. 

He said: ‘Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue. I’m grateful to Commissioner Makary for his leadership on this vital issue — one that directly safeguards the health and development of our children. This decision brings us one step closer to delivering on President Trump’s promise to Make America Healthy Again.’

Last month, the Health Secretary said he plans to tell the CDC to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water.

RFK Jr, a staunch anti-vaxxer, said he is assembling a task force of health experts to study the study the mineral-enriched water issue – after he called fluoride a ‘dangerous neurotoxin.’

While, he cannot order communities to stop fluoridation, but he can direct the CDC to stop recommending it and work with the EPA to change the allowed amount.  

RFK Jr oversees the CDC, whose recommendations are widely followed but not mandatory. 

State and local governments decide whether to add fluoride to water and, if so, how much – as long as it doesn’t exceed a maximum set by the EPA, which is currently 4 milligrams per liter.