Robert F Kennedy Jr said that removing fluoride from public drinking water may result in more cavities

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Thursday that removing fluoride from public drinking water could potentially lead to an increase in cavities.

"It's a balance," Kennedy said during an appearance on Fox News’ The Faulkner Focus on June 26. "You’ll likely see a slight rise in cavities. Although in Europe, where fluoride has been restricted, they didn’t observe a significant increase. The key point is that parents should have the right to choose, because the science on fluoride is well established."

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), fluoridation isn’t outright banned in Europe. However, the practice of adding fluoride to municipal water supplies is less common there than in the U.S. Some countries fluoridate their water, while others do not—often for different policy or infrastructure reasons—with varying outcomes, per BBC reporting. USA TODAY has reached out to the ADA for further clarification.

Kennedy’s remarks were in response to host Harris Faulkner’s question about how removing fluoride might affect children who lack access to dentists or regular dental care.

Kennedy has been advocating for a ban on fluoride in public water systems. Back in April, during a meeting with President Donald Trump, he claimed that fluoride exposure makes children "stupider." That statement drew criticism, as the study Kennedy cited was flagged by experts for methodological issues and weak statistical analysis.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services told USA TODAY on June 27 that Kennedy's remarks reflect an effort to reduce unnecessary chemical exposure while still protecting against issues like childhood tooth decay.

The spokesperson also said that HHS has advised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to consult with the Community Preventive Services Task Force to evaluate fluoride use and offer updated guidance.