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The Debate Over Fluoride In American Drinking Water : 1A Fluoride in American tap water is nothing new. We've been safely adding it to our drinking water for decades and staved off tooth decay in our population.

But new skepticism has some Americans wondering about the benefits of the practice. This is in large part thanks to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump's pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services.

We discuss why fluoride is added to our water supply, the risks and benefits.

Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.

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The Debate Over Fluoride In American Drinking Water

The Debate Over Fluoride In American Drinking Water

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Tap water is seen in this photo illustration in Washington, DC. ALASTAIR PIKE/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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ALASTAIR PIKE/AFP via Getty Images

Tap water is seen in this photo illustration in Washington, DC.

ALASTAIR PIKE/AFP via Getty Images

Fluoride in American tap water is nothing new. We've been safely adding it to our drinking water for decades and staved off tooth decay in our population.

But new skepticism has some Americans wondering about the benefits of the practice. This is in large part thanks to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump's pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services.

How is fluoride added to our water supply? Are there any risks to ingesting it? And why are some so worried about drinking it?

Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.