An Illinois dentist has warned that patients will face higher treatment costs if the FDA removes ingestible fluoride products from the market, 25News Now reported May 14.
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.
Christa Spates, DDS, a pediatric dentist, told 25News Now that fluoride supplements are helpful for patients living in rural areas who don’t have access to fluoridated water to prevent tooth decay.
Some patients who develop tooth decay from the lack of fluoride may require anesthesia, which will be costly for patients, Dr. Spates added.
