Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, suggested that the removal of fluoride from public drinking water could raise the number of dental caries.

Sound evidence has demonstrated fluoride’s effectiveness in reducing dental caries because of its ability to restore tooth enamel, according to a report from Newsweek. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that fluoride be added to community water systems to protect against dental decay.

Antifluoride campaigns fueled by RFK, Jr.’s comments have propelled Utah and Florida to enact statewide bans on fluoridated drinking water and encouraged states such as Nebraska, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts and Oklahoma to pursue legislation in favor of its removal — citing new studies linking fluoride exposure to low IQs and developmental issues in children. The HHS secretary has also made false claims about fluoride to support the antifluoride campaign, including that the mineral can cause thyroid issues, reduced bone density and arthritis as well as that it is banned in Europe, where community water fluoridation is actually in practice. However, dental and medical professionals have argued that the data used in the IQ studies are of low quality, and that the cessation of community water fluoridation could destabilize efforts to prevent dental decay, particularly among underserved populations.

As RFK, Jr. continues his Make America Healthy Again messaging, experts such as Brett Kessler, D.D.S., president of the ADA, have warned against the repercussions of removing fluoride from public drinking water.

“It is dangerous and cruel to make a public policy decision knowing that it will have a negative health impact. Yet, some politicians still errantly believe a ban on fluoride will make our country healthier when the opposite is true. Good oral health is health, and it is essential,” Dr. Kessler underscored. “As dentists, we see the negative impact fluoride removal has on our patients. It is a real tragedy when policymakers’ decisions hurt kids and adults in the long term. Blindly calling for a ban on fluoridated water will hurt people’s health and cost them more money,” he concluded.