RFK Jr. says banning fluoride might mean more cavities—but says it’s about finding balance
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged Thursday that pulling fluoride from public water systems may result in a slight uptick in cavities—but he insists the decision should rest with families.
“It’s a balance,” Kennedy said during a June 26 interview on Fox News’ The Faulkner Focus. “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.”
However, the American Dental Association (ADA) notes that fluoride is not banned across Europe. While its use varies widely between countries, some add fluoride to water supplies, others use fluoridated salt or rely on alternative public health strategies. USA TODAY has reached out to the ADA for clarification on Kennedy’s claim.
Kennedy’s remarks came in response to a question about how the removal of fluoride might affect underserved children with limited access to dental care. It’s an issue that has generated mounting concern as Kennedy continues to champion fluoride bans in the name of chemical exposure reduction.
Back in April, Kennedy sparked controversy after telling President Donald Trump that fluoride makes “kids stupider,” citing a study criticized for methodological flaws and weak statistical analysis. The backlash from public health experts was swift.
A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Human Services told USA TODAY on June 27 that Kennedy’s comments reflect an overall policy effort to weigh the potential harm of unnecessary chemical exposure against proven public health benefits like cavity prevention.
The department also confirmed that the CDC has been advised to collaborate with the Community Preventive Services Task Force to re-evaluate current fluoride recommendations.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water and food that helps prevent tooth decay by supporting remineralization—the process of restoring minerals to the enamel, the tooth’s protective outer layer. Without sufficient fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, enamel can deteriorate due to exposure to plaque, sugar, and acids, increasing the risk of cavities.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, fluoride supports oral health by helping to repair weakened enamel and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Over time, insufficient remineralization leads to permanent damage and decay.
When Did Fluoride Enter Public Water?
Community water fluoridation in the U.S. began in 1945, when Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city to adjust fluoride levels in its water supply to 1.0 parts per million. Over the years, the recommended level has been adjusted to a maximum of 0.7 ppm—a concentration that the ADA and CDC consider optimal for cavity prevention.
Critics of water fluoridation sometimes raise health concerns, but toxic exposure would require a person to drink excessive amounts of water. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that a person would have to consume 5 liters per kilogram of body weight to reach toxic levels—far more than the human body can safely handle.
States Moving to Ban Fluoride
Despite the scientific consensus supporting fluoridation, Utah and Florida have passed laws banning the practice—Utah in March and Florida in May. Kennedy has publicly praised both states and is backing similar proposals in several others, including Kentucky, South Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Montana, and New Hampshire.
ADA Pushes Back Against the Movement
Following Utah’s decision, the American Dental Association issued a strong response warning about the consequences of ending water fluoridation.
“It’s a real tragedy when policymakers’ decisions hurt vulnerable kids and adults in the long term,” ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler said. “Blindly calling for a ban on fluoridated water hurts people, costs money and will ultimately harm our economy.”
The ADA also pointed to research, such as a 2024 University of Queensland study, that found no significant IQ difference between children exposed to fluoridated water and those who were not.
As more states take up the fluoride debate, health experts remain divided on how to balance chemical safety concerns with decades of evidence that support fluoridation as a key tool in preventing tooth decay.
Note to readers: This article compiles verified statements and data from reputable public health institutions, including the ADA, CDC, Cleveland Clinic, and HHS. All quotes are sourced directly and presented without alteration.
