Robert F Kennedy Jr’s smile sparked anger among dentists who take issue with his crusade against fluoride, an anti-cavity mineral, in drinking water.

The Department of Health and Human Services secretary is leading the federal government’s charge against adding what the government standards say are safe amounts of fluoride in public water systems to bolster the nation’s oral health.

Dr Royce Lai, a dentist based in Ontario, Canada, said after looking at a recent photo of RFK Jr: ‘I can tell he needs a deep teeth cleaning as Secretary Kennedy has significant plaque and tartar buildup around the gum line. 

‘His gums look healthy, but are prone to gingivitis with that amount of buildup.’

Other dentists told DailyMail.com that RFK Jr’s adequate dental health is thanks to elite care and a lifetime of benefits from government-backed policies dating back to WWII. 

While RFK Jr may be short a few cleanings, according to Dr Lai, ‘Mr. Kennedy, like everyone his age, grew up with fluoride in the water. It is expected that his generation should have fewer cavities and oral health problems than previous generations.’

Fluoride helps prevent cavities by strengthening enamel and blocking acid from decay-causing bacteria. 

RFK Jr opposes it based on a study linking it to developmental issues in children, but critics say the research ignored factors like lead exposure and poverty, and used inconsistent data. 

The CDC and ADA reject the findings, citing no proven link or IQ drops in fluoridated areas. 

Toronto dentist Dr Khorshid said RFK Jr.’s visible tooth substance could be food residue or a surgical pack—not plaque—but noted the partial photo limits diagnosis

‘I find it more odd more than anything because we’ve had fluoride in water since the 1960s without any apparent ill effects,’ Dr Lai added. 

‘The number of cavities lessened through the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, and children in rural areas seemed to have improved oral health.’ 

Dr Mohamad Khorshid, a dentist in Toronto, gave DailyMail.com his thoughts on Kennedy’s oral health based on a recent photo of him. 

The off-white substance wedged between the front teeth appears to be food residue rather than harmful plaque or tartar.

‘The white strip near the front teeth is likely a surgical pack to protect a gum surgery site or a possible nicotine patch. It’s very hard to tell from this partial view,’ he said.

Dr Sandip Sachar, a New York City-based dentist, said: ‘I do not really see any significant tartar build-up on his teeth except in one spot- where it is difficult to say for sure if that is tartar or just a photographic artifact or something that is caught between his teeth.’

Dr Khorshid also noted that the teeth exhibit discoloration and moderate wear, but no severe decay. The presence of gum recession and abrasions suggests the use of aggressive brushing or grinding techniques.

‘The teeth don’t show severe decay or enamel erosion, which might suggest some fluoride benefit, possibly from drinking water,’ Dr Khorshid added.

Evidence suggests that very high fluoride exposure, exceeding 1.5 milligrams per liter, may have a small effect on IQ.

But water fluoridation levels are far below this threshold – 0.7 mg/L – with no direct evidence linking standard fluoridation to IQ loss.

Evidence suggests that very high fluoride exposure, exceeding 1.5 milligrams per liter, may have a small effect on IQ. But water fluoridation levels are far below this threshold – 0.7 mg/L – with no direct evidence linking standard fluoridation to IQ loss 

A wealth of studies consistently report that fluoridated water helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

In 1956, researchers found that after a decade of fluoridation, only the second US city to do so, Newburgh, NY, saw 58 percent less childhood tooth decay than non-fluoridated Kingston.

Even older Newburgh children had 41 to 52 percent fewer cavities. Similarly, Evanston, IL, reported a 57 percent decline in cavities just six years after adopting fluoridation.

Dentists fear an uptick in cavities and gum disease as the anti-fluoride movement gains momentum, with states and municipalities dropping fluoridation like falling dominoes.

Alaska became the first to end mandatory fluoridation in 2007, followed by Utah in 2010. 

Since then, dozens of cities have followed suit, including Portland, OR, Juneau, AK, Collier County, FL, and most recently, Union County, NC.

The trend shows no signs of slowing, with about 200 smaller municipalities having discontinued fluoridation since 2010.

Dr Khorshid said: ‘The anti-fluoride movement is frustrating, as extensive research confirms fluoride safety and decay-prevention benefits at recommended levels.

‘Opposition often misrepresents data, undermining public health gains, though addressing concerns with evidence remains the best approach.’

RFK Jr acknowledged that fluoride-free water will result in an uptick in cavities and tooth decay.

‘It’s a balance,” Kennedy said during an interview on Fox News’ ‘The Faulkner Focus’ last month. ‘You’re going to see probably slightly more cavities. Although in Europe, where they ban fluoride, they did not see an uptick in cavities. The issue is parents need to decide because the science is very clear on fluoride.’

Fluoride is not banned in Europe, though it is less widespread than in the US.