Make America Healthy Again? Start with the Mouth.

How Misinformation, Food Insecurity, and Political Posturing Undermine America's Fight Against Chronic Disease

While reviewing literature today, I found a statement that encompasses my stance on caries (cavity) prevention for the masses.

Here is my stance:
Fluoride is an integral part of preventing caries. It is safe and effective.

Food insecurity and financial barriers often prevent access to nutritious foods that would reduce caries risk.

Yet we have the Secretary of HHS spreading misinformation and disinformation on fluoride, and states banning its use. The Secretary has also decided to remove access to prescription fluoride drops and tablets effective October 2025.

Then we have the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which proposes to cut funding for SNAP, which will only increase barriers to access to nutritious foods.

All the while, the administration is shouting, “Make America Healthy Again!” Maybe take a moment to really investigate how oral health impacts overall health. Look at all the factors…OR better yet, consult with public health experts, especially those well-versed in the oral-systemic link.

Here are the statements from a scoping review published in the International Journal for Equity in Health (publication date: 2024) that support my stance:

“Our review strongly supports the effectiveness of community water fluoridation, as seen in Australia’s National Oral Health Plan, and advocates for its broader implementation to help prevent caries. Economic barriers, however, often make sugary foods and starches more accessible, challenging healthy dietary choices.”

“Policies aimed at limiting sugary food consumption and enhancing fluoridation access are vital for reducing oral health disparities.”

“Unfortunately, oral health continues to be overlooked within the current healthcare and policy frameworks.”

“Oral health is as critical as any other aspect of healthcare, and systemic health cannot be fully realized without incorporating oral health into the equations for healthy eating habits and healthcare management.”

America will not get healthier if we only focus on the things the HHS Secretary falsely believes to be the driving factors of chronic disease. Oral health has been overlooked for far too long despite robust evidence that it is a driving factor in non-communicable chronic diseases.

Reference

Chamut S, Alhassan M, Hameedaldeen A, et al. Every bite counts to achieve oral health: a scoping review on diet and oral health preventive practices. Int J Equity Health. 2024;23(1):261. Published 2024 Dec 2. doi:10.1186/s12939-024-02279-0. https://equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12939-024-02279-0