New Study Raises Concerns Over Fluoride’s Impact on Pregnant Women and Infants

Fluoride has been a staple in dental care for decades, praised for its role in preventing cavities and tooth decay. However, a recent meta-analysis published in the Annual Review of Public Health casts a shadow on its safety for pregnant women and infants, suggesting that fluoride exposure may have "detrimental effects" on this vulnerable group.

The researchers scrutinized multiple studies and found that fluoride offers minimal benefit to fetuses and young infants. More concerning, systemic fluoride exposure appears to affect bone strength, thyroid function, and cognitive development adversely.

Philippe Grandjean, professor of environmental medicine at the University of Southern Denmark and a co-author of the study, emphasized to Fox News Digital that fluoride’s toxicity to early brain development is not dependent on its source. He warned about the risks of swallowing fluoridated toothpaste despite its dental benefits.

Further recommendations include limiting consumption of certain black teas grown in fluoride-rich soils, such as those from East Africa, China, and India, which might add to overall fluoride intake.

Despite these findings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to highlight fluoride’s role in reinforcing tooth enamel and reducing cavities through mineral replacement. However, the meta-analysis suggests that the real benefits of fluoride are topical, meaning direct contact with teeth rather than systemic ingestion.

Echoing this view, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently underscored on The Story With Martha MacCallum that fluoride’s benefits come from topical application, not systemic exposure. He pointed out that increased fluoride intake correlates with lower IQ levels and serious bone density loss.

Kennedy advocates that widespread water fluoridation may no longer be necessary, especially in an era where toothpaste and mouthwashes provide effective topical fluoride. He is pushing the CDC to reconsider its recommendations on adding fluoride to public water supplies.

In a bold legislative move reflecting these concerns, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, a decision welcomed by proponents of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement. Other states, including Ohio, South Carolina, and Florida, are considering similar restrictions.

With over 75% of Americans currently consuming fluoridated water, these developments underscore a growing debate about balancing dental health benefits against possible risks to pregnant women and infants. It seems the fluoride story is far from settled.