The article by Erika Edwards, published on November 7, 2024, discusses the potential threat to fluoridated water systems under the incoming Trump administration, particularly influenced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who lacks medical or dental training, has raised concerns about fluoride, calling it harmful and linking it to various health issues. He has expressed the belief that fluoride should be removed from water systems, although the decision to fluoridate water is made at the local level. Dentists, including Dr. Meg Lochary, warn that eliminating fluoride would reverse significant public health progress, as fluoride has been instrumental in reducing tooth decay, especially among children in communities lacking access to dental care. The article emphasizes that major health organizations, such as the CDC and the American Dental Association, support fluoride's role in cavity prevention, noting its historical success in reducing tooth decay by 25%. Despite some studies suggesting possible risks, there is no definitive evidence linking fluoride to negative health outcomes, such as lower IQ levels, and experts continue to affirm its safety and effectiveness.
