RFK Jr.’s Anti-Fluoride Campaign Gains Momentum: Texas AG Targets Toothpaste Companies
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s crusade against fluoride is gaining traction, with a prominent Republican ally in Texas joining the fray. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Crest and Colgate, two major toothpaste manufacturers, specifically targeting their children’s toothpaste lines featuring popular characters like Bluey and Disney Princesses. Paxton alleges that the companies are engaging in misleading and deceptive marketing practices regarding fluoride levels, potentially endangering children.
The investigation centers around the amount of fluoride toothpaste parents are encouraged to use on their children’s teeth. Paxton’s office argues that while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends only a "smear" or rice-sized amount of toothpaste for children under three, Crest and Colgate’s marketing strategies lead parents to believe that using more is beneficial or necessary.
"I will use every tool available to protect our kids from dangerous levels of fluoride exposure and deceptive advertising," Paxton declared in an announcement.
Colgate-Palmolive, one of the companies under investigation, has vehemently refuted the allegations. Tom DiPazza, the company’s vice president of corporate relations, stated that their children’s toothpastes containing fluoride "provide important oral health benefits, are safe to use as directed, and provide directions for proper use consistent with US Food and Drug Administration requirements." He further emphasized that the packaging includes appropriate age restrictions and guidelines on the amount of toothpaste children should use.
The Attorney General’s office cited a 2024 National Toxicology Program study, frequently referenced by Kennedy, which suggests a correlation between fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. However, this study has been met with criticism from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and the American Dental Association, who point to methodological flaws and inadequate statistical rigor.
Kennedy has made his stance on fluoride abundantly clear, stating, "The more you get, the stupider you are, and we need smart kids in this country, and we need healthy kids." He praised Utah for its ban on local governments adding fluoride to public water systems and expressed his commitment to changing federal fluoride regulations.
This push against fluoride extends beyond toothpaste. Kennedy is advocating for curbs on fluoride in public water supplies as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" mission. He views water fluoridation as a harmful practice, despite widespread support from the scientific and dental communities. Florida is also on the verge of banning fluoride in its public drinking water.
Scientists and dental health organizations have issued stark warnings against Kennedy’s plans, arguing that they would have disastrous consequences for public health. They highlight the proven benefits of fluoride in preventing tooth decay, particularly in children from low-income families who may have limited access to dental care.
The health secretary has indicated an intention to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cease recommending that cities and states add fluoride to public water systems. It is important to note that adding fluoride to water, known as fluoridation, is not a legal requirement.
Paxton’s investigation into Crest and Colgate is not his first foray into scrutinizing food and beverage marketing practices. In early April, he launched an investigation into Kellogg’s for allegedly marketing its products as "healthy" despite containing artificial food colorings linked to hyperactivity, obesity, and autoimmune disease.
Kennedy has also taken aim at artificial food dyes, announcing that eight such dyes will be eliminated from medications and the nation’s food supply by the end of 2026. He believes these synthetic dyes contribute to neurological disorders like ADHD.
The controversy surrounding fluoride and its potential health effects is a long-standing one. Proponents argue that fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure that has significantly reduced the prevalence of tooth decay. Opponents, like Kennedy and Paxton, raise concerns about potential risks, including neurotoxicity and dental fluorosis (a cosmetic condition affecting tooth enamel).
The current debate reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny of public health policies and a growing distrust of established scientific consensus. Kennedy’s campaign against fluoride is capitalizing on these sentiments, tapping into concerns about government overreach and the potential dangers of chemicals in our food and water.
The outcome of Paxton’s investigation into Crest and Colgate could have significant implications for the toothpaste industry and the future of fluoride policy in the United States. If the investigation finds merit in the allegations of misleading marketing, it could lead to stricter regulations on how toothpaste companies promote their products, particularly to children. It could also further embolden anti-fluoride activists and contribute to a wider movement to eliminate fluoride from public water supplies and other consumer products.
The debate over fluoride is likely to continue, fueled by passionate arguments on both sides and ongoing scientific research. As the discussion evolves, it is crucial to consider all available evidence and engage in informed dialogue to ensure that public health policies are based on sound science and protect the well-being of all citizens.
