The American Dental Association reaffirmed its support of fluoride supplements after the HHS Department announced that the FDA would move to remove certain products from the market.
The HHS Department announced May 13 that the FDA would begin removing ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children, claiming that these products were never approved by the FDA and that ingested fluoride has been shown to alter the gut microbiome. It also stated that ingested fluoride is linked to thyroid disorders, weight gain and possibly decreased IQ.
The FDA plans to conduct a safety review and public comment period before taking action to remove these products from the market, ultimately setting a goal date of Oct. 31 for completion of these actions. The HHS Department added that it plans to release best practices for dental hygiene in children that are “feasible, effective and do not alter gut health.”
The ADA pushed back against the agency’s claims about the effects of fluoride on health May 14. It also noted that the FDA’s safety review applies to ingestible fluoride prescription drug products, but does not include topical products containing fluoride. It also pointed out that fluoride supplements are the only method for many people living in non-fluoridated communities and rural areas to receive the appropriate amount of fluoride.
“Proposals like this stand to hurt rural America, not make them healthier,” ADA President Brett Kessler, DDS, said. “More than ever, at this critical time in American healthcare policy, it is vital that we slow down to properly study the full implications of actions like this on the health of the nation.”
