Summary

President-elect Donald Trump’s support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an outspoken opponent of water fluoridation, is pushing baseless anti-fluoride views into mainstream debate.

Despite scientific consensus that fluoridation is safe and prevents tooth decay, especially in underserved communities, Kennedy plans to advise water districts against it, citing unfounded health concerns.

While fluoridation decisions are regulated by state and local governments, Trump’s administration could influence conservative states to drop fluoridation, potentially undermining a key public health tool and increasing dental health disparities, particularly for disadvantaged children.