FDA limits Fluoride Supplements for Children

WASHINGTON (AP) – the food and Drug Administration moved on Friday to limit the use of fluoride supplements used to strengthen children‘s teeth, the latest action by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his deputies against a chemical that is a mainstay of dental care.

The FDA said that the products are no longer recommended for children younger than 3 and those who are older but don’t face serious risks of tooth decay. Previously, the products have been prescribed for children as young as six months.

The action stopped short of FDA statements in May suggesting regulators would seek the removal of the products from the market. Instead, the agency sent letters to four companies warning them not to market their products outside the new limits.

Fluoride tablets and lozenges are sometimes recommended for children and teens at increased risk of tooth decay or cavities as of low fluoride in their local drinking water. the FDA’s move reflects growing scrutiny of fluoride’s safety, particularly among young children.

Key Takeaways

• The FDA is limiting the use of fluoride supplements for children.
• Supplements are no longer recommended for children under 3 or those without a high risk of tooth decay.
• This action doesn’t remove the products from the market, but warns companies against improper marketing.
• The change reflects increased concerns about fluoride safety,especially in young children.