Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is setting his sights on toothpaste giants Colgate-Palmolive and Procter & Gamble, issuing Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) over claims that they have been illegally marketing their fluoride toothpaste products to children. The investigation comes on the heels of a National Toxicology Program meta-analysis from August 2024, highlighting the potential risks of fluoride exposure in children and its association with lower IQ scores, as reported by the Texas Attorney General's office.
Fluoride toothpaste, while beneficial in preventing dental cavities, has come under scrutiny for the amount being used by children, with the CDC advocating for a rice-sized smear until age three and the American Dental Association suggesting no more than a pea-sized amount for those aged 3-6 to avoid the dangers of fluoride overdose. Despite these recommendations, toothpaste manufacturers have been accused of crafting their marketing strategies and flavoring their products in a manner that might lead to over-consumption by children and misinformation to parents.
Paxton’s office is now digging into whether these toothpaste manufacturers have violated state laws with their advertising strategies. "I will use every tool available to protect our kids from dangerous levels of fluoride exposure and deceptive advertising," Paxton stated, showing his commitment to taking on corporations that may put children's health at risk through misleading practices, as per a report by the Texas Attorney General's office.
The call to action from Paxton is clear: Texas children's health must be protected. The CIDs are ready to uncover any potential wrongdoing that may have been overlooked, especially in a society where fluoride is widely used in dental products. Paxton emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the need for urgent investigations, as noted in the Texas Attorney General’s News Release.
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