As the 2024 United States presidential election unfolds, a debate is brewing over an unexpected public health issue—fluoride in drinking water. Former President Donald Trump, if re-elected, may take a hard stance on the fluoridation of public water systems, according to former independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who claims Trump intends to remove fluoride from drinking water as part of his health agenda. But what would such a change mean for public health? Let’s explore the facts surrounding fluoride and drinking water, and how a new Trump administration could alter policies on this long-standing practice.
The Role of Fluoride in Drinking Water
In order to prevent tooth decay, fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been added to drinking water sources in the US and many other countries for decades. Supported by organizations such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this approach has been hailed as one of the greatest public health triumphs of the 20th century. Due to fluoride’s capacity to fortify tooth enamel and lower cavities in all demographics, fluoride and drinking water have really come to be practically synonymous with dental health advocacy.
Yet, Kennedy’s recent comments add fuel to the debate. He argues that fluoride is an “industrial waste” associated with various health concerns, including bone fractures, thyroid disease, and neurodevelopmental issues. Trump, who has previously indicated that Kennedy might play a role in healthcare policy if re-elected, has been open to considering Kennedy’s stance on fluoride and drinking water, saying he would consult with Kennedy and other experts before making a final decision.
Potential Risks of Removing Fluoride from Drinking Water
If Trump were to enact a policy that removes fluoride from drinking water, the implications could be significant, particularly for communities that rely on
fluoridation to support dental health. Advocates of fluoridation argue that the mineral is crucial for maintaining public health, particularly among children and low-income populations who may not have access to regular dental care. The CDC recommends a safe level of 1.5 mg per litre for drinking water, a standard intended to optimise dental benefits while minimising risks.
However, Trump’s potential policy change reflects a growing debate among some health advocates and researchers who question the safety of fluoride and drinking water. While the WHO and CDC maintain that studies do not conclusively link fluoride at recommended levels to serious health issues, opponents like Kennedy remain vocal, calling for further investigation into potential risks. Despite a lack of conclusive evidence, Kennedy contends that fluoride’s potential harms are too significant to ignore.
Trump’s Health Agenda: More Than Just Fluoride?
Trump’s openness to revisiting fluoride policies reflects a broader willingness to question established health practices. His consideration of Kennedy’s views, particularly on vaccine policies and other health regulations, signals a potential shift in the landscape of American public health policy. If re-elected, Trump may pursue an agenda that aims to “Make America Healthy Again,” as he and Kennedy phrase it, by re-evaluating established policies and adopting a more conservative approach to public health regulation.
In particular, removing fluoride from drinking water could set a precedent for additional health policy changes. It could shift the responsibility of dental health to individuals, rather than maintaining a collective approach. Many experts argue, however, that removing fluoride would likely lead to increased dental decay and oral health issues, especially among vulnerable communities.
Conclusion: Fluoride and Drinking Water Under Trump
The 2024 election brings an array of potential policy changes, and the question of fluoride and drinking water has unexpectedly taken centre stage. As Trump signals openness to reviewing fluoridation policies, communities, health officials,
and advocacy groups are paying close attention. While fluoride and drinking water continue to play a vital role in public health, a shift in policy under Trump could transform how Americans address dental care, sparking debates on the balance between individual health choices and community health benefits.
