RFK Jr.’s Fluoride Criticism Spurs Alternative-Toothpaste Sales

Fluoride-free toothpaste sales are jumping as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other government officials openly question the safety of the mineral long hailed as a public-health miracle.

Since the beginning of last year, sales of tubes that eschew fluoride have grown around 16% on average each month through April, compared to an increase of just 2.4% for fluorinated options over that time, according NielsenIQ data.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Photographer: Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg

While Kennedy has said he supports fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash, questioning its safety in drinking water has caused a small but growing cohort of consumers to adjust ...