The most important and immediate impact would be a significant increase in dental cavities, especially among children.

“Water fluoridation is often referred to as a ‘public health miracle’ because it helps so many across all socioeconomic groups avoid the devastating effects of dental disease,” Zavras said. “Groups that consume high levels of carbohydrates will bear the burden of such increase disproportionately.”

However, Malin said there is evidence suggesting that water fluoridation is no longer essential for preventing tooth decay, with fluoride toothpaste being widely accessible.6 “It seems that the demonstrated benefit has declined over the years,” Malin added. “There’s more evidence in support of the topical application.”

Fluoride recommendations have been altered before. The HHS initially set the optimal range of water fluoridation at 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L. In 2015, the agency updated its recommendation to the current optimal concentration of 0.7 mg/L due to the increasing amounts of fluoride in food that is processed with fluoridated water.18 “We need to remember that community drinking water isn’t the only source of fluoride exposure,” Malin added.

Whether Kennedy is in charge of American health initiatives or not, the EPA will have to address the health risks of water fluoridation per the federal court ruling.

“I think it makes sense to further regulate the chemical to mitigate the risk,” Malin said. “Whether that means reducing the concentration or eliminating it from the water supply altogether remains to be determined.”