Fluoridation Risky to Fetus & Babies

Water fluoridation poses an unnecessary risk of cognitive brain deficits to the fetus and young infants, report researchers in Annual Review of Public Health (“Health Risks and Benefits of Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy and Infancy,” April 2025). Babies fed infant formula mixed with fluoridated water may be especially at risk, they report.

“Bottled-fed infants show heightened susceptibility to fluoride neurotoxicity due to greater exposure by body weight,” they write.

“Growing evidence has raised questions about the safety of this public health intervention, particularly for young children who are at risk of excess fluoride intake,” write researchers Christine Till, Philippe Grandjean, E. Angeles Martinez-Mier, Howard Hu and Bruce Lanphear.

"If fluoridated tap water is used to make infant formula, the fluoride content in infant formula a ranges from 0.76 to .83 mg/L.” Soy based formulas contain higher fluoride levels (2.52mg/L) 

“Ingestion of toothpaste by young children is estimated to account for up to 80% of total dietary fluoride intake depending on the age of the children, frequency of brushing and amount and type of toothpaste. 40% use more than [recommended] pea size; 18% used a full load, they report

While fluoride is neither a nutrient nor essential for healthy teeth, the adequate intake (AI), to prevent moderate dental fluorosis (yellow splotched teeth) for fluoride in the first 6 months is 0.01 mg/L daily equivalent to 1 tablespoon of optimally fluoridated water. Formula fed babies younger than 6 months have a daily fluoride intake of about 0.61-0.75 mg/day (about 60-70 times higher than the AI) if fluoridated water is used.

"This review discusses evidence showing that fluoride ingestion is not essential for caries prevention, offers little benefit to the fetus and young infant, and can cause dental fluorosis and cognitive deficits."

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Taxonomy

• Safety Regulations
• Safety & Hazard
• Public Disclosure
• Environment
• Utility Chemicals
• Treatment Chemicals
• Fluoride
• Fluoridation