Overview

• FDA convened a two-day public meeting in Silver Spring to gather expert and stakeholder views on the safety and approval status of fluoride tablets and drops for children
• Commissioner Marty Makary pointed to early animal research suggesting ingested fluoride may alter the gut microbiome and noted supplements never underwent modern FDA review
• Major health bodies such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Dental Association warned that withdrawing supplements would harm dental care equity in non-fluoridated areas
• Critics cited studies linking high fluoride exposure during pregnancy to slight IQ reductions and argued that approval gaps warrant a precautionary approach
• The FDA will consider public comments through October 31 before deciding whether to remove prescription fluoride products from the market