Pediatric dentist Dr. Naomi Sedani, based in Darien, Connecticut, has observed a growing trend among her young patients. With the advocacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his supporters of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement pushing for the elimination of fluoride from public drinking water, more parents are expressing concerns about its safety when visiting Sedani’s practice. While the Centers for Disease Control recognizes the addition of fluoride to tap water as a significant public health accomplishment, Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy has criticized fluoride as an “industrial waste.” Following Trump’s election win, Kennedy suggested that “fluoride will disappear.”
Across online communities of health-conscious mothers on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, the number of “fluoride-free mamas” seeking “holistic dental care” is growing. Some are staunchly against fluoride products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, opting for alternatives like hydroxyapatite, while others are undecided and seeking more information. Dr. Sedani believes that discussions about fluoride have been reignited, particularly by RFK Jr., prompting parents to seek guidance. While she follows recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry regarding fluoride treatments, she stresses the importance of open conversations with patients to consider both the safety and benefits of fluoride.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also raised concerns about vaccines, food dyes, and fluoride and his movement aims to “Make America Healthy Again.”
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and certain foods like tea, grapes, apples, and potatoes. In dentistry, fluoride is used in various forms to strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of cavities. Acid produced by oral bacteria when eating or drinking can weaken tooth surfaces, making them more susceptible to cavities. Fluoride helps replace lost minerals and protect teeth.
Although fluoride is considered safe by organizations like the American Dental Association, excessive ingestion can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to high levels of fluorides can cause issues like skeletal fluorosis or dental fluorosis. The ADA maintains that fluoride is a safe and cost-effective measure to prevent cavities, with studies showing a 25% reduction in cavities in both children and adults.
Dental caries, a common chronic disease caused by bacteria, disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic communities. Dr. Fernando Hugo, chair of Epidemiology and Health Promotion at NYU College of Dentistry, notes that water fluoridation can benefit those with limited access to dental care by reducing the frequency of necessary treatments.
A recent report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggested a link between higher fluoride levels in drinking water and lower IQ in children, based on studies from various countries.
The fluoride levels associated with these risks were more than double the recommended amount for public water systems in the U.S. While the U.S. Public Health Service sets the guidelines for fluoride levels, state and local governments determine their own levels of fluoridation, sometimes through voter decisions, as per the CDC. In certain regions, the natural fluoride levels in water are already sufficient to prevent cavities. The report did not specify the extent of IQ level decline or whether adults could also be impacted. Some individuals who have switched to holistic dentistry have shared on TikTok that their oral health deteriorated, resulting in cavities.
Concerns Raised by New Report on High Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water
Dr. David Villarreal, a biological dentist based in Newbury Park, California, has practiced fluoride-free dentistry for 33 years and has noticed a surge in demand. He mentions that the anti-fluoride movement is not new, with patients seeking fluoride-free care even in the ’90s. The internet and social media have amplified this demand, leading to an increase in patients seeking alternative options.
Villarreal, a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), explains that patients often seek him out for more information and are ready to make a change after researching fluoride online. However, he cautions against misinformation, such as the belief that one can self-repair teeth. While some advocates claim that cavities can be reversed without fillings, this approach is effective only in the early stages of decay, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
In biological dentistry, the focus is on the holistic connection between oral health and overall well-being, aiming to minimize toxicity in treatments while acknowledging its necessity. Villarreal attributes the growing demand for fluoride-free care to mothers seeking ways to protect their children.
One lesser-known motivation for seeking fluoride-free care is the impact on the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland in the brain responsible for regulating circadian rhythms through melatonin secretion. While some studies suggest a link between fluoride exposure and pineal gland calcification, the association with melatonin dysregulation requires further research.
Dr. Sedani, a dentist, notes that many of her patients are uncertain due to conflicting information on fluoride in the media. For children at high risk of cavities, she recommends using fluoride toothpaste at home and receiving fluoride treatments.
During their visits, parents are often hesitant about receiving varnish for their children during dental exams. Sedani notes that parents who decline varnish upfront are less open to discussing the topic further. However, after learning more about the benefits, most parents end up opting for the varnish. The desire for control over their children’s health drives many parents to seek information about fluoride-free dentistry, as they want to make informed decisions about what goes into their kids’ bodies. Sedani acknowledges the concerns parents have about ingredients and emphasizes the importance of having control over their choices at home. She remains neutral in the fluoride debate, recognizing that there is no definitive right or wrong answer. Sedani highlights that fluoride is just one aspect of oral health, with other factors such as diet, brushing habits, flossing, and mouthwash playing crucial roles. While she currently recommends fluoride as a key element in oral care, she acknowledges the ongoing debate surrounding its use.
