Trump Pledges Major Health Policy Shift with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. #

President-elect Donald Trump has announced Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his choice for Health and Human Services Secretary, signaling a significant focus on healthcare for his upcoming term. Kennedy has expressed intentions to re-evaluate water fluoridation across the United States, proposing the removal of fluoride from public water systems due to concerns about its health impacts such as arthritis, bone issues, and neurodevelopmental disorders. These changes, however, are contingent upon Kennedy’s Senate nomination and confirmation expected in 2025.

Fluoride occurs naturally and at optimal levels can prevent cavities, an approach different countries handle variously. The U.S. began community water fluoridation in 1945 to promote oral health, viewing it as a top public health intervention. As of 2022, 72% of the U.S. population receives fluoride-treated water. This figure varies by state, with Washington D.C. at 100% and Hawaii at just 8.5%.

Water fluoridation is not mandated by federal law, with decisions made locally based on natural fluoride levels. In states like Kentucky, a high percentage of water systems are fluoridated, while only a small fraction are so in Alaska. Only 53% of reported water systems meet recommended fluoride concentrations.

While fluoride is vital in reducing dental caries, overexposure poses health risks like skeletal fluorosis and potential IQ impacts. This has led countries to vary their fluoride delivery methods, opting for alternatives like milk and rinse programs. Recent findings connect excessive fluoride exposure during pregnancy to developmental concerns, though such levels are rare in the U.S.

Water fluoridation remains crucial for communities with limited access to oral care. However, the association between fluoride and reduced intelligence in children, though noted in studies, lacks a definitive causal mechanism.