The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it will begin removing ingestible fluoride prescription drugs for children from the market, citing a lack of formal approval and potential harm to the gut microbiome. These concentrated fluoride supplements, often prescribed as chewable tablets for cavity prevention, have never gone through FDA approval. Emerging concerns highlight their impact on the developing microbiome in children, a critical foundation for lifelong health.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of fluoride in drinking water and medicine, welcomed the move. “Ending the use of ingestible fluoride is long overdue,” said Kennedy, who has consistently urged a reevaluation of fluoride safety, particularly in light of links to cancer and neurological concerns.
Utah recently became the first state to ban fluoridation in public water systems. Now, the FDA has set a goal of completing public review and action on fluoride drug products by October 31.
The Department of Health and Human Services plans to issue updated, microbiome-safe dental hygiene recommendations for children. This signals a growing shift toward more cautious, evidence-based pediatric health practices—ones that don’t compromise long-term well-being for short-term cavity protection.
