Fluoride in Drinking Water Faces Renewed Scrutiny Across North America

Health experts defend water fluoridation as safe and effective, while critics question its necessity and potential risks.

President-elect Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has called for the removal of fluoride from U.S. water systems, reigniting a long-standing debate.
Major health organizations, including the CDC and American Dental Association, continue to support water fluoridation, citing decades of evidence for its role in preventing dental cavities.
Recent studies highlight that the benefits of water fluoridation may be less pronounced today due to widespread use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
Critics point to controversial studies suggesting links between fluoride exposure and health risks like lower IQ in children, though findings remain inconclusive and often involve high fluoride levels not seen in U.S. water systems.
A California court recently ordered the EPA to reevaluate fluoride regulations, raising questions about the future of water fluoridation policies in the U.S.