Texas attacks fluoride toothpastes as "dangerous," probes makers
Source: Ars Technica
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating two leading toothpaste makers over their use of fluoride, suggesting that they are "illegally marketing" the teeth cleaners to parents and kids "in ways that are misleading, deceptive, and dangerous."
The toothpaste makers in the crosshairs are Colgate-Palmolive Company, maker of Colgate toothpastes, and Proctor & Gamble Manufacturing Co., which makes Crest toothpastes. In an announcement Thursday, Paxton said he has sent Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to the companies.
The move is an escalation in an ongoing battle over fluoride, which effectively prevents dental cavities and improves oral health. Community water fluoridation has been hailed by health and dental experts as one of the top 10 great public health interventions for advancing oral health across communities, regardless of age, education, or income. But, despite the success, fluoride has always had detractors—from conspiracy theorists in the past suggesting the naturally occurring mineral is a form of communist mind control, to more recent times, in which low-quality, controversial studies have suggested that high doses may lower IQ in children.
The debate was renewed earlier this year when the National Toxicology Program at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences finally published a particularly contentious study after years of failed scientific reviews. The study claims to find a link between high levels of fluoride exposure and slightly lower IQs in children living in areas outside the US, mostly in China and India. But the study's methodology, statistical rigor, risk of bias, and lack of data transparency continue to draw criticism.
Read more: https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/05/texas-goes-after-toothpaste-in-escalating-fight-over-fluoride/?comments-page=1#comments
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LiberalArkie
(18,323 posts)
DENVERPOPS
(12,465 posts)that everyone drinking bottled water, which doesn't contain fluoride, is giving them tons more cavities to treat esp in children....
He also said that workers and athletes that are all using drinks like GATORaide are helping even more....The combination of Sugar and esp the SALT content, being consumed all day, was really accelerating tooth decay.........Far worse than just drinking soda pop...
markodochartaigh
(2,981 posts)Citric acid is probably even worse than phosphoric acid for tooth enamel.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11580825/
Aristus
(70,088 posts)I guess now they're embracing the toothless hillbilly type.
Oh well, I guess we will know them by their smiles...
wolfie001
(5,195 posts)
lololol
Tks for this visual Aristus.
Initech
(105,081 posts)And it seems like my prediction is coming true. Alex Jones is one of the worst things to happen to this country. 
hadEnuf
(3,221 posts)If it helps most or all the people, then the Republican party is against it. According to them, no good deed shall go unpunished.
Rfk’s argument for taking fluoride from the water is that there is fluoride in toothpaste
OldBaldy1701E
(7,989 posts)How about orthodontists? Anyone checked his donations to see which major dentistry groups have donated?
Their intention is to make all healthcare unaffordable to all except the most wealthy, since they are convinced that such are the most important.
And, since we have done nothing in the last 100 year to dissuade them of that notion... 
Jerry2144
(2,867 posts)dog crap is a safer toothpaste than anything else
thought crime
(298 posts)Mawspam2
(955 posts)I say give them what they want!
New CREST, Fluoride out, Asbestos in.
Tom's of Maine is now Tom's of Texas. Loaded with Benzene goodness!
thought crime
(298 posts)From Dr. Strangelove :
General Jack D. Ripper: “Mandrake, do you realize that in addition to fluoridating water, why, there are studies underway to fluoridate salt, flour, fruit juices, soup, sugar, milk... ice cream. Ice cream, Mandrake, children's ice cream. “
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: “Lord, Jack. “
General Jack D. Ripper: “You know when fluoridation first began? “
Group Capt. Lionel Mandrake: “ I... no, no. I don't, Jack. “
General Jack D. Ripper: “Nineteen hundred and forty-six. 1946, Mandrake. How does that coincide with your post-war Commie conspiracy, huh? It's incredibly obvious, isn't it? A foreign substance is introduced into our precious bodily fluids without the knowledge of the individual. Certainly without any choice. That's the way your hard-core Commie works.”
Right Wingers & Fascists are driven by paranoia.
Berlin Expat
(957 posts)about water fluoridation being part and parcel of a Communist conspiracy seems to have made a serious comeback.
I have to admit, I didn't see that coming: I thought it'd largely died out after being so effectively lampooned as a central plot point in Dr. Strangelove.
Skittles
(164,652 posts)fucking LUNACY 
bluestarone
(19,831 posts)Who the fuck knows!!
wolfie001
(5,195 posts)
Maeve
(43,260 posts)
Blue Owl
(56,461 posts)
3825-87867
(1,417 posts)
Harker
(16,287 posts)BurnDoubt
(587 posts)into the wearing of Red headgear and IQ? The anecdotal evidence speaks for itself.
BurnDoubt
(587 posts)always handy with a remedy back in the '50's recommended letting the dog lick wounds because their spit was antiseptic. And that ear-ache, "come over here... let me blow smoke in your ear". It's a wiki, wiki, wiki, wiki, wiki, wiki, World! Do your own research and be your own Expert. Get your Money's Worth. Surprisingly, though, Ignorance doesn't come Cheap.
BidenRocks
(1,560 posts)Someone's thinking about you.
Child coughs? A spoon of honey and bourbon
Milwaukee German upbringing. Born 1955
We also had the dog lick. Ick.
Figarosmom
(6,071 posts)Now people won't even have a choice of what to use or not in their own bodies.
It's bad enough that RFKwants to ban the covid vaccine and not allow it even for those of us that would choose it. And next likely go after the flu shots too
But to go after a commercial product that would be the last chance at protecting your teeth since they've banned Floiride in the water. Is just so irrational and stupid. Will it take their teeth rotting out before they wake the fuck up.
I'm guessing there are a lot of dangerous mods coming out of ABBOT LABS I wonder if any of thise will be banned.
Meowmee
(9,212 posts)I said this would happen. Blackmarket on the way for regular toothpaste with fluoride even though there are plenty without to choose from.
progressoid
(51,431 posts)Initech
(105,081 posts)
joshdawg
(2,807 posts)offering a solution to a non-existent problem.
As long as these bat-shit crazy lunatics are in office, this shit will continue and maggots eat it up.
Bernardo de La Paz
(56,218 posts)Kudos to posts 9, 16, 18, and 24 who had the same thought.
3825-87867
(1,417 posts)Well, at least cigarettes and Whiskey!
Bayard
(25,359 posts)My Dad was a big believer in using only baking soda and salt to brush your teeth when I was a little kid. My siblings and I all have/had mouthfuls of fillings. On a side note--the old dentist who put in all those fillings didn't use Novocaine.
Everyday, I think these people can't get any stupider, and they keep surpassing my expectations. Is there a shred of actual scientific research to support their pronouncements?
Renew Deal
(84,014 posts)
IronLionZion
(49,020 posts)I guess people will be paying a lot more for dentists to fill cavities soon.
sakabatou
(44,816 posts)Aussie105
(7,037 posts)You'd need to prove intent and how it profits the makers of toothpaste by adding fluoride.
And negate the scientific research on the topic.
The 'Fluoride is bad!' campaign - sponsored by dentists and the makers of dentures?
But yes, high levels of fluoride are probably bad for people but you won't get ythat from brushing your teeth or drinking tap water.
sinkingfeeling
(55,326 posts)They 'soak' their natural teeth in fluoride.
Karasu
(1,293 posts)them revisiting every single fucking settled debate in the history of mankind just because they've made being anti-science mainstream again in this fucking stupid country.
MadameButterfly
(3,021 posts)The Fluoride Deception Paperback – March 7, 2006
by Christopher Bryson (Author), Theo Colborn (Foreword)
Yes, RFK Jr. is crazy, as was the John Birch society over the Communist link. But there are major Western countries who don't fluoridate their water, there IS research linking fluoride to health issues, and there are a growing variety of attitudes even among dentists.
My concern is more about fluoridated water where people are forced to ingest fluoride whether they want it or not, and cannot choose a dose appropriate to their health issues. With fluoridated toothpaste, a ban is unecessary as there are now plenty of fluoride-free toothpaste options for people who don't want fluoride.
However, note that toothpaste for young children has no fluoride because young children cannot be trusted not to swallow their toothpaste, and this is considered toxic by conventional medical authorities. The FDA has long stated that babies under 1 years old should not consume drinking water that contains fluoride, which is a risk for babies drinking formula and an issue that many parents are not informed about. (I wasn't warned by my doctors for my adopted baby).
This debate exists on both ends of the political spectrum so please don't take this as only a RW talking point, or lump it in with all the other crazy stuff they are doing. There is much more compelling stuff to be against, and we strain our credibility if we make assumptions that this is more of the same without doing our research.
yardwork
(66,863 posts)There is no legitimate debate about whether the earth is flat, the climate is changing, or fluoride.
If you want to learn first hand, volunteer to care for children who have such severe tooth decay they are in constant pain. Their teeth are rotten and broken. It's a huge problem in rural areas where people drink well water and don't get fluoridated water. Go see for yourself.
MadameButterfly
(3,021 posts)[link:https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/fluoridated-drinking-
water/#:~:text=One%20problem%3A%20The%20early%20studies,cavity%20rates%20(see%20chart).|speaking up about problems with fluoride.
Also read the book I linked and then tell me there is no debate. It cites established researchers including nobel laureates. I'm not saying it isn't a concern, but that there is a balance to be sought, and one side has been suppressed. Scientific careers have been lost by people speaking up about fluoride concerns and that's why you only hear one side. That is changing though (per the article above).
There are also children with problems from dental fluorosis from too much fluoride.
The issue with people in rural areas is more than lack fluoride in their water. Children need dental hygiene and dental care whether water is fluoridated or not.
I'm not supporting a ban on fluoride toothpaste. But concern about fluoride isn't a flat earth theory and it isn't crap.
yardwork
(66,863 posts)Several Nobel laureates were cranks. Harvard has plenty of cranks on staff, including an infamous white supremacist. Just because a person is successful in one field does not mean they're an expert everywhere else
Anyone can publish a book.
Show me a peer-reviewed research study published in an established medical journal and I'll read it.
MadameButterfly
(3,021 posts)and I am not. So I'm not allowed to read books that are designed to inform people who don't have scientific degrees and form any opinions. With your expertise you should be able to tell if the book is credible or not. Just read the forward by a nobel lauriate and the first chapter. You should be able to deduce whether that researcher is credible.
I don't believe the contents because someone published a book. You have mad an assumption and you haven't read it. Just read the forward and the first chapter. That's all you need. It's available used.
yardwork
(66,863 posts)Under the U.S. Constitution everybody is allowed to read a book (although that right is now under attack by Trump and his cabinet). I'm not questioning your right to read a book.
I will look up the book but I'm not going to be convinced about anything by reading one book, no matter who wrote it. Everybody has opinions, and being smart in one area doesn't mean they're right about other things.
The way science works - as I learned in school - is that people test ideas over and over. One study proves nothing. Ideas become accepted as facts only after they've been proven in many different studies over time.
There's been literal hysteria about fluoride in public water since the 1950s. It's hard to imagine a topic that has been more studied and scrutinized than this. The weight of the evidence is clear - it's beneficial and has few bad effects. Its benefit outweighs any risks.
It sounds like you have distrusted fluoride for a long time and made sure that your children weren't exposed to it. It also sounds like you're an attentive, caring parent who made sure that your children's teeth were cared for. That's great!
Unfortunately lots of other children don't have that kind of care. I'm a believer in government public health, to help ensure the best care for everyone.
I'm a strong supporter of universal healthcare. I wish the U.S. had guaranteed universal health care for everyone, paid through a pool of tax dollars.
MadameButterfly
(3,021 posts)Some books have references, and those of us capable of critical thinking can deduce if they are making logical use of referenced material. Or at least whether the subject is worth further review.
The way science works - as I learned in school - is that people test ideas over and over. One study proves nothing. Ideas become accepted as facts only after they've been proven in many different studies over time.
You are of the belief that science is the only factor here. There are politics in science, and changing the established view is difficult. The fluoride issue has been rife with politics. Major corporations like Alcoa benefitted financially from fluoride being seen as a resource they got paid for rather than a waste they had to pay to get rid of. Alcoa was politically involved in the decision to fluoridate water. Reagan raised the allowed amount of fluoride in water to help said corporations. The Clinton administration lowered it again. Did that have to do with health and science, or politics? Fluoride was involved in nuclear bomb development. No politics there? Read the first chapter of the book I referenced and then tell me that all views about fluoride have been equally considered by the scientific community. History is rife with scientists who have been shunned for going up against the status quo but whose pioneering theories have triumphed in the end. Do you think there never has been a good theory that was shot down and never saw the light of day? I've seen how hard it is to get research funded (even before Trump).
There's been literal hysteria about fluoride in public water since the 1950s. It's hard to imagine a topic that has been more studied and scrutinized than this. The weight of the evidence is clear - it's beneficial and has few bad effects. Its benefit outweighs any risks.
Not all western countries have come to the same view. Even if you believe fluoride benefits outweigh risks, there is the issue of dosage. Not everyone can tolerate the same dose (infants and elderly need less) and not everyone drinks the same amount of water (people with kidney disease, for example, and marathon runners--drink more, and we are all drinking more water per public guidance than when water was first fluoridated). Some countries have opted for fluoride in salt or milk rather than forced medication in something we all can't do without. Fluoridation of water began before fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash existed. It was initially believed you needed to ingest fluoride to get its benefits. Now conventional medical thinking is that the benefit is topical only, so the only benefit of fluoridated water is that it washes through the mouth on the way down. Once inside the body, it does harm to bones, brain, etc. You may say less harm than benefit--but I say lets keep it in the mouth (toothpaste or mouthwash) and avoid the harm altogether.
It sounds like you have distrusted fluoride for a long time and made sure that your children weren't exposed to it. It also sounds like you're an attentive, caring parent who made sure that your children's teeth were cared for. That's great!
Unfortunately lots of other children don't have that kind of care. I'm a believer in government public health, to help ensure the best care for everyone.
Yes, I was very focussed on my daughter's early brain development. (Read the first chapter of the book and tell me if you would even risk it with your child). I understand that not every child gets the care for their teeth they need. Our care for our daughter's teeth came out of neither of us getting the care we needed as children. Hygiene is necessary, with or without fluoride. Of course this is a difficult issue, if fluoride helps at all for populations that aren't educated enough to do this. But I think we as a country are capable of improving that education rather than forcing fluoride on all populations that drink water in un-measured doses. We should not be lulled into the belief that fluoridated water alone will save children's teeth. We should also have free dental care for everyone to encourage proper care and I wonder if that would be more or less expensive than paying corporations to put their industrial waste fluoride in our water.
I'm a strong supporter of universal healthcare. I wish the U.S. had guaranteed universal health care for everyone, paid through a pool of tax dollar
I agree, including dental care.
yardwork
(66,863 posts)I'll read more on fluoride in public water. Thank you for sticking with this conversation even though I was rude.
I'm in a bad mood these days but most of the rest of us are, too. Thanks for the reminder that I need to be more patient. I appreciate you.
MadameButterfly
(3,021 posts)I did at some point wonder why I'd gone out on this limb. But it gave me hope when you said you would look up the book. It's rare that someone will question their paradigm and have an open mind, AND say so. You've proven that we can be more than preaching to the choir here on DU. I appreciate you for that.
yardwork
(66,863 posts)Here is a link to FDA guidance on fluoride for children. I have idea what lies might be on the FDA site today. This is from 2024:
https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/health-claim-notification-fluoridated-water-and-reduced-risk-dental-caries
MadameButterfly
(3,021 posts)yardwork
(66,863 posts)It was subsequently debunked.
Nothing is being "suppressed." Like studies looking into any connection between vaccines and autism (another theory I know you worry about), there's been a lot of work studying fluoride.
Worry about other things, like plastics. Tiny microplastics are in our brains, organs, and cells. They may very well be disrupting our bodies' health.
Worry about GMO crops that allow herbicides to be sprayed over thousands of miles of fields, wiping out native plants that feed wildlife.
Worry about climate change, mass extinctions, and all the ways that the Trump administration is making us less safe.
Don't worry about vaccines and fluoride, except that in their absence, our health will get much worse.
MadameButterfly
(3,021 posts)Last edited Sat May 3, 2025, 02:02 PM - Edit history (1)
about vaccines and autism. My point is that it's illogical that we assume everyone has to agree on one collection of issues or another and not address each issue independently. Do me a favor, read the book I linked and then tell me nothing is being suppressed. Tell me if the people in that book have been debunked and by whom. I assume by your authoritative tone that you have some professional standing in this field, so tell me who debunked the article above. If you know more than me, give me the sources, don't just say "believe whatever I say because I know more than you".
I worry plenty about plastics. I'm signed up for a demonstration and to speak with lawmakers in Albany NY on Wednesday to pass an improved bottle bill and a packaging bill. I'm used to people telling me I'm wrong and don't know what I'm talking about from participation in this cause before it became fashionable in recent years.
Another cause in my life is soil erosion and sustainable farming, including native plants and pollinators. I'm an organic gardnener.
Notice all the assumptions you have made about me based on our disagreement on one issue.
travelingthrulife
(2,463 posts)so some places don't need additional fluoride.
I grew up with well water, tons of cavities, and you pay for that damage all your life.
MadameButterfly
(3,021 posts)Tons of cavities, so my parents gave me fluoride pills, still tons of cavities. They didn't know I wasn't brushing my teeth regularly because they weren't paying attention. I thought if they didn't notice, it must not matter (I was 3-6 years old). Yes, I am paying for that all my life.
My daughter grew up with no fluoride in her water or toothpaste. After some cavities on her baby teeth we supervised thorough toothbrushing during her formative years. That took care of it.
Whenever she had friends for overnights, they didn't bring their toothbrushes. We kept some on hand, and they looked at us like we were crazy when we insisted they brush their teeth. I suspect there is an epidemic of kids not brushing their teeth.
I know these stories are only anectodal.
ms liberty
(10,251 posts)Both "ends" of the political spectrum are where the nut jobs like to hang out.
MadameButterfly
(3,021 posts)you can disagree but it just doesn't have to be about your political affiliation. And the far left, if you mean the people who want universal healthcare, are not nut jobs.
Ping Tung
(2,531 posts)Botany
(74,332 posts)BTW. This goes back to the John Birch society’s anti fluoridation crap over 50 years ago
I am sure that Russia’s “Storm 15-16” misinformation network is pushing this bullshit and
using idiots like RFK Jr. and Paxton to spread the lies and cause social disruption.
Next thing they will tell me that we are getting more cases of measles because people
are getting vaccinated against that disease.
Christ on a Cracker.
“Fluoride in toothpaste is a key ingredient that helps prevent cavities and strengthens tooth enamel. It's a naturally occurring mineral found in many sources, including drinking water and some foods. Fluoride toothpaste is a popular and effective way to incorporate fluoride into your daily oral hygiene routine.”
intheflow
(29,571 posts)So, yeah, Mr. Republican idiot, let's attack one of the few domestically produced products at a time when Republicans want us all to return to factories for our glorious future.
milestogo
(20,728 posts)
Old Crank
(5,726 posts)Calgary just experimented with fluoride reduction in their water.
More cavities and dental problems.
All studies that blame problems on fluoride come from areas that have natural occurring amounts well over the recommended amounts.
Sneederbunk
(16,235 posts)Texas is the idiot.
surfered
(7,101 posts)
Martin68
(25,877 posts)
TexasBushwhacker
(20,892 posts)If that's what you want to use, it's there. There's no need to remove it for everyone else.
COL Mustard
(7,407 posts)I will choose to use fluoridated toothpaste, and to be vaccinated, and to smoke, drink and do whatever the hell else I want during my limited remaining time on this Earth. Fuck Paxton and Texas.
(To be clear, I live in a civilized state, but still, fuck Texas. At least the Republican part of it.)