Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stirred up plenty of controversy throughout his political career, but his latest stance is getting under the skin of some unlikely critics—dentists.
And they’re not just questioning his policies. Some are also taking aim at his smile.
Dentists Zoom In on RFK Jr.’s Teeth
During a recent public appearance, Kennedy’s dental hygiene was under scrutiny. Dr. Royce Lai, a dentist based in Ontario, wasn’t impressed after seeing a photo
He noted a visible buildup of plaque and tartar around Kennedy’s gum line.
“His gums actually look healthy for now,” Dr. Lai said, “but with that much buildup, he’s definitely at risk for gingivitis.”
While Lai wasn’t calling it a dental emergency, he did say Kennedy was clearly overdue for a deep cleaning.
The Ironic History Behind His Teeth
What really riles up many in the dental community is the irony.
Kennedy, who is now pushing for fluoride-free water, grew up during a time when fluoride was regularly added to public water systems.
That very policy likely helped protect his own teeth over the years.
“Mr. Kennedy, like most of his generation, benefitted from fluoride in the water,” Lai added.
“That’s part of why people his age typically have fewer cavities than those who came before.”
What Fluoride Actually Does
In case you missed it in health class, fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against the acid created by decay-causing bacteria.
It’s been a staple of public health since the 1960s, with the CDC and the American Dental Association continuing to support its use.
Kennedy’s pushback is based on studies suggesting possible developmental concerns in children.
But experts argue that those studies often ignore other critical factors lik
e poverty, lead exposure, and inconsistent data collection.
What Other Dentists Saw in the Photo
A few other dental professionals weighed in on RFK Jr.’s teeth too.
Dr. Mohamad Khorshid, a Toronto-based dentist, spotted what looked like either leftover food or possibly a surgical pack on Kennedy’s front teeth.
“It’s hard to tell from just a photo, but it doesn’t look like major plaque,” he noted.
Dr. Sandip Sachar from New York added that there wasn’t any obvious tartar buildup except maybe in one spot—but even that could just be an issue with the photo or lighting.
Kennedy’s teeth did show some discoloration and signs of wear, which could suggest he’s been brushing a bit too hard or grinding his teeth at night.
Still, there wasn’t any visible decay or erosion, which dentists say might reflect long-term benefits from fluoridated water.
Fluoride Still Shows Strong Results
Even small levels of fluoride—well below harmful thresholds—can help reduce cavities.
The recommended level in U.S. public water supplies is 0.7 mg/L, far below the 1.5 mg/L levels that have shown some minor potential links to IQ issues.
History shows that fluoridation works. In Newburgh, New York, one of the earliest cities to fluoridate water, childhood cavities dropped by nearly 60% over ten years.
Similar results were reported in Evanston, Illinois.
The Rise of the Anti-Fluoride Movement
Despite decades of success, some communities are backing away from fluoridation.
Alaska led the charge in 2007 by ending mandatory fluoridation, followed by Utah in 2010.
Since then, places like Portland, Oregon, and Union County, North Carolina, have followed suit. In total, over 200 smaller municipalities have opted out since 2010.
Dentists are sounding the alarm. They fear that walking away from fluoride will reverse hard-won gains in public dental health—especially for kids in underserved areas.
Experts Push Back With Science
Dr. Khorshid finds the anti-fluoride narrative incredibly frustrating.
“The data overwhelmingly shows that fluoride is safe and effective at recommended levels,” he said. “But misinformation keeps spreading.”
For him and many others in the dental field, the solution isn’t anger—it’s better public education and clearer communication based on scientific facts.
Kennedy’s Response: Let Parents Choose
Even Kennedy has admitted there will likely be some consequences if fluoride use declines.
Speaking in a recent interview on Fox News, he said, “You’re going to see probably slightly more cavities.”
He pointed to Europe, claiming countries there banned fluoride but didn’t see a rise in cavities.
However, that claim doesn’t hold up—fluoride isn’t banned in Europe, it’s just used differently, and not as widely as in the U.S.
A Battle Between Science and Skepticism
In the end, this debate boils down to a clash between public health policy and personal freedom.
Kennedy believes people should decide what’s in their water.
Dentists argue that fluoridation isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a crucial part of keeping communities healthy.
With Kennedy pushing for change and cities pulling the plug on fluoride, America’s dental future might be heading for a very different kind of cavity crisis.