JuniorDental founder Dr. Rafif Tayara: Fluoride toothpaste for kids remains safe and essential — don’t confuse ingestible supplements with toothpaste
...Following reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, backed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has begun action to remove ingestible fluoride prescription products for children, Dr. Rafif Tayara, pediatric dentist and founder of JuniorDental, is urging parents not to abandon fluoride toothpaste — a proven, topical cavity‑prevention tool that is not part of the FDA’s move. PBSU.S. Food and Drug Administration
“I do not agree with eliminating access to fluoride where it helps kids most. Topical fluoride toothpaste — used in the right amount for a child’s age — is safe, effective, and central to preventing tooth decay,” said Dr. Tayara. “Like anything in health, dose matters: even water is harmful in extreme excess, but that doesn’t make water unsafe. The same principle applies to fluoride toothpaste used as directed.” CDC
What changed — and what didn’t
Changed: FDA announced it is initiating action to remove concentrated, ingestible pediatric fluoride prescription products (tablets/lozenges) from the market while it completes a safety review and public comment process. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Not changed: The FDA’s action does not include toothpaste, rinses, or other topical fluoride products. The American Dental Association (ADA) has emphasized this point and reaffirmed fluoride’s role in caries prevention. ADA News
What major health bodies say about fluoride toothpaste
CDC: Fluoride dental products are safe and effective when used as directed. For children: use a smear (grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste until age 3 and a pea‑sized amount from ages 3–6; supervise brushing and teach spitting. CDC
IAPD global consensus: Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste at 1,000–1,500 ppm reduces caries; use a smear for under‑3s and a pea‑sized amount for ages 3–6. IAPD
AAPD (Pediatric Dentistry best practice): Both topical (toothpaste/varnish) and systemic fluoride can play roles depending on a child’s caries risk and local water levels; the standard community water level is 0.7 ppm. AAPD
About ingestible supplements vs. toothpaste
An independent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation (2021) supported oral fluoride supplements only for children 6 months and older whose water supply lacks fluoride — a policy now in tension with FDA’s new review. That same body notes benefits of topical fluoride (varnish) in young children. USPSTFJAMA Network
The ADA cautions that eliminating supplements without careful study may harm children in rural or non‑fluoridated communities; it also notes the FDA review does not implicate toothpaste. ADA News
Dr. Tayara’s guidance for parents (holistic, evidence‑based):
Keep brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Use age‑appropriate amounts and supervise — this is the backbone of prevention. CDCIAPD
Mind the whole child: prioritize less sugar, regular dental checkups, adequate sleep, and overall nutrition — a holistic approach supports oral and general health.
If your area lacks fluoridated water or your child has higher cavity risk, don’t start, stop, or change any ingestible product without speaking to your pediatric dentist or pediatrician. Follow local guidance while FDA’s review proceeds. AAPDUSPSTF
“Parents should not be scared away from fluoride toothpaste,” Dr. Tayara added. “Used correctly, it’s one of the simplest, safest tools we have to protect kids’ smiles.” CDC
Background / reporting notes for editors
PBS/AP and other outlets reported the policy shift to remove fluoride supplements used to protect kids’ teeth; the FDA confirms the step and its limited scope. PBSU.S. Food and Drug Administration
ADA commentary underscores that the FDA action concerns ingestible, unapproved prescription products — not toothpaste or varnish — and warns of access impacts in non‑fluoridated regions. ADA News
—
About JuniorDental: JuniorDental is a pediatric clinic founded by Dr. Rafif Tayara. The practice supports holistic oral care — combining evidence‑based dentistry (including appropriate fluoride use) with nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle to keep children cavity‑free.
Media inquiries: To arrange interviews with Dr. Tayara, please contact the JuniorDental press team.
