Congressman Cleaver Introduces Legislation to Require EPA to Publish Independent Study When Proposing Updated Water Fluoridation Guidance
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) introduced the Protect Our Treatment for Enamel, Erosion, and Tooth Health (TEETH) Act. The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consult and publish a rapid response evidence review by independent and nonpartisan experts at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) when proposing new water fluoridation guidance, safeguarding public health from politicization.
“When making policy decisions that impact the health and safety of Americans across the country, not to mention the expenses that come with a potential rise in additional dental care, it is essential that the federal government utilize nonpartisan, independent experts who are following the most rigorous scientific protocols to obtain their information,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Unfortunately, as we’ve seen with the undermining of life-saving vaccines under the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), we’re witnessing the politicization of public health, and we cannot allow this infection to spread in the same way that cavities can. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Protect Our TEETH Act to ensure the EPA is using the best evidence available when updating public health guidance regarding fluoridation.
“As the nation’s leading voice for oral health, the American Dental Association commends Rep. Cleaver for introducing the ‘Protect Our Treatment for Enamel, Erosion, and Tooth Health’ (or TEETH Act). This critical legislation will help ensure policy decisions around fluoride are driven by clear evidence, scientific rigor, and generally accepted data,” said Dr. Brett Kessler, D.D.S., President of the American Dental Association. “By leveraging the expertise of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, considered the gold standard for reviewing complex scientific issues, it will reinforce the integrity of our public health criteria and ensure that fluoride recommendations remain rooted in the best available evidence. It can reliably dispel misinformation on community water fluoridation programs throughout the country, which reduces tooth decay by 25 percent in the population. We urge every member of Congress to cosponsor this impactful legislation.”
Since 1945, fluoridated community water systems have protected millions of Americans from tooth decay, with 72.7% of the American population utilizing them in 2020.
Fluoride continues to be a low-cost solution to common dental conditions. In fact, the CDC estimates that fluoridated water reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults. With the estimated return on investment being $20 for every $1 spent, water fluoridation saves the U.S. an estimated $6 billion annually on dental care. Communities served by fluoridated water save an average of $32 per person a year by avoiding treatment for cavities.
The Protect Our TEETH Act is endorsed by the American Dental Association.
The Protect Our TEETH Act is cosponsored by Reps. Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Wesley Bell (D-MO), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Don Davis (D-NC), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).
Official text of the Protect Our TEETH Act is available here.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.