Why Is Fluoride Still in Our Drinking Water?
A Growing Global Concern
Water fluoridation began in the United States in the 1940s under the belief that adding fluoride to drinking water would reduce tooth decay—especially in children. While fluoride does help protect tooth enamel when applied topically, there's mounting evidence that ingesting it through water may do more harm than good.
Despite decades of promotion, growing scientific research and global health trends suggest it may be time to rethink fluoride in our water supply.
1. Fluoride Works Topically—Not Internally
The American Dental Association and other health organizations agree: fluoride’s benefit in reducing cavities comes from direct contact with teeth—not from swallowing it. Fluoride in toothpaste makes sense. But fluoride in your coffee, soup, and baby formula? Not so much.
2. Most of the World Rejects Water Fluoridation
Over 95% of the world’s population drinks non-fluoridated water. In fact, most developed countries have banned, stopped, or never started water fluoridation.
Countries that do not fluoridate their water include:
Germany
France
Austria
Sweden
Japan
The Netherlands
Belgium
Italy
China and India (actively remove natural fluoride due to its toxic effects)
So why is the U.S. still fluoridating?
3. Fluoride Is a Known Neurotoxin
A 2025 review in JAMA Pediatrics found that fluoride exposure during pregnancy may lead to lower IQ scores in children. Even the U.S. National Toxicology Program concluded in 2024 that fluoride exposure is “presumed to be a cognitive hazard” to humans—especially infants.
Prenatal Risk: Maternal fluoride exposure was linked to 4.5-point lower IQ scores in children.
Neurotoxicity: A Harvard meta-analysis concluded fluoride exposure was associated with significantly lower IQ levels. (Source)
4. Most Ingested Fluoride Isn’t Even Used by the Body
Only about 50% of ingested fluoride is excreted. The rest accumulates in:
Bones
Soft tissue
The pineal gland
And, in some cases, the brain
Excess exposure has been linked to:
Dental fluorosis (white spots, staining)
Skeletal fluorosis (pain, stiffness, bone brittleness)
Thyroid problems
Kidney stress
Diagram showing how fluoride is processed in the body—where it’s absorbed, excreted, and stored in tissues like bones, teeth, and the pineal gland.
5. RFK Jr. and the Federal Government Are Now Pushing Back
In April 2025, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a major policy shift, directing the CDC to stop recommending water fluoridation. The move was supported by new studies and growing concern over fluoride’s health impacts.
“There’s no good reason to force a neurotoxin into people’s bodies,” Kennedy told Fast Company.
The EPA is now re-evaluating whether fluoride poses an "unreasonable risk" to human health.
“This isn’t a debate about cavities—this is about protecting brain development and giving people a choice.”
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health Secretary, 2025
6. You’re Already Getting Fluoride From Other Sources
Even without fluoridated water, most Americans are already consuming fluoride from:
Toothpaste and dental treatments
Soft drinks, juices, and processed foods
Tea and canned fish
Pesticide residues
We’re not fluoride-deficient—we’re overexposed.
7. Ethical Concerns: Medication Without Consent
Fluoridation is a form of mass medication with no option to opt out—unless you invest in a proper filtration system.
There’s no dosage control—children and adults all receive the same levels.
It violates informed consent principles in public health.
Alternatives like dental care access and fluoride toothpaste exist.
What Can You Do?
If you're concerned about fluoride exposure, the best thing you can do is filter your tap water. Most standard carbon filters (like Brita) don’t remove fluoride, but Filtercon’s advanced systems are designed specifically to target fluoride and other harmful contaminants—giving your family safe, clean drinking water.
Get a Free Quote Today
Call us now at (619) 688-1810 or click here to request a free quote and learn how easy it is to protect your water—and your health.
