Fluoride is added to drinking water across the U.S., but residents of some states are considerably more likely to be drinking fluoridated water than others, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent comments on fluoride are prompting questions about its safety in drinking water. Here's what to know.

A recent post on X by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised to remove fluoride from America's public water systems under a Trump presidency, connecting it to conditions like arthritis, IQ loss, and bone cancer.

The CDC calls the practice of adding fluoride to tap water systems one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century.

For years, local water authorities have considered the addition of low concentrations of fluoride to drinking water a public health achievement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it, citing evidence showing that fluoride prevents cavities in children — the No. 1 chronic disease in kids.

The debate over fluoride in drinking water has been elevated with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to remove the chemical, alleging it does more harm than good.

The Winter Haven City Commission voted Tuesday to stop adding fluoride to drinking water after a lengthy public comment period where residents shared health concerns.

The City Commission meeting Tuesday became a raucous debate between residents, commissioners and medical professionals on fluoride's effect on the body.

Kennedy has made not secret that one of his first actions in this role would be to remove fluoride from all U.S. water systems amid speculation President-elect Trump would put him in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services.