Fluoride: What you need to know
Some places add fluoride to tap water to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride has been in most American tap water for decades. It鈥檚 there to help to prevent tooth decay, especially in children. Scientists and health officials say it鈥檚 one of the biggest public health wins of the 20th century.
But lately, fluoride has found itself at the centre of a heated debate, with some people concerned about side effects. Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US Health Secretary, is one of those, but he has long expressed views that conflict with scientific evidence.
We break down the facts about fluoride, explain how the quantities of it in water is safe and tell you what you need to know with Phoebe Hopson, a 成人快手 reporter, and Michelle Roberts, a doctor and health reporter.
Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Emily Horler
Editor: Verity Wilde
Last on
Broadcasts
- Tue 25 Mar 2025 18:50GMT成人快手 World Service News Internet
- Wed 26 Mar 2025 03:50GMT成人快手 World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only
Podcast
-
What in the World
Helping you make sense of what鈥檚 happening in your world.