Bill would require independent review of EPA water fluoridation guidance
ADA expresses support, says legislation would combat misinformation
An ADA-supported bill introduced in Congress July 21 aims to strengthen the scientific basis behind federal water fluoridation guidelines. The Protect Our Treatment for Enamel, Erosion and Tooth Health Act, or TEETH Act, would require the Environmental Protection Agency to commission an independent, rapid-response evidence review from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine before proposing updated fluoridation recommendations.
The legislation is designed to prevent politicization of public health guidance and ensure that fluoride policy is informed by the most rigorous, nonpartisan science available. The ADA expressed support for the measure, stating it would reinforce public trust in federal health recommendations and help combat misinformation about fluoride.
“When making policy decisions that impact the health and safety of Americans across the country, not to mention the expenses that come with a potential rise in additional dental care, it is essential that the federal government utilize nonpartisan, independent experts who are following the most rigorous scientific protocols to obtain their information,” said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II, D-Mo., who introduced the bill along with Reps. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., Cleo Fields, D-La., Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., Wesley Bell, D-Mo., Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., Don Davis, D-N.C., and Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.
The ADA called the legislation a vital step toward evidence-based policymaking. Association President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., said the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s involvement will help reinforce the integrity of the nation’s public health criteria and “reliably dispel misinformation on community water fluoridation programs and offer objective review of evidence to help municipalities and states identify the best path forward for implementing safe and effective community water fluoridation programs.”
In a news release, the ADA applauded Rep. Cleaver for introducing the legislation and emphasized that removing or banning fluoride will cause serious negative oral health consequences.
“Let’s all stand behind this important legislation to ensure that public health policy decisions regarding fluoride are driven by clear evidence, scientific rigor, and generally accepted data instead of conspiracy theorists, political rhetoric or social media influencers looking to sell their latest supplements on social media,” Dr. Kessler said.
Fluoridation has been a key element of public dental health since 1945, according to the CDC, and fluoridated water reduces cavities by about 25% in both children and adults. The ADA’s updated Fluoridation Facts, which addresses concerns and shares scientific truths about fluoridation, is available in e-book format.
For more information, visit ADA.org/Fluoride.
