The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommended on Friday that fluoride levels in drinking water be reduced so as to prevent children from fluorosis.
The agency proposed setting fluoride level in drinking water at 0.7 milligrams per liter of water, replacing the current recommended range of 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams which has been implemented since 1962.
This new recommendation allows the maximum prevention of tooth decay through fluoridation, while reducing the possibility of children getting too much fluoride, the agency said.
U.S. kids have taken in so much fluoride that many of them have developed fluorosis, which can damage children's developing teeth, the agency noted.
About two out of five teens have white spots and streaks on their teeth due to too much fluoride, according to a recent government study.
Fluorosis, characterized by the splotchy tooth condition, is unexpectedly common in kids ages 12 through 15, and the problem appears to have become worse since the 1980s, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"One of water fluoridation's biggest advantages is that it benefits all residents of a community -- at home, work, school, or play," HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard K. Koh said in a statement. "Today's announcement is part of our ongoing support of appropriate fluoridation for community water systems, and its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay throughout one's lifetime."
One reason for the new recommendation is that over the years the sources of fluoride have increased from water to include toothpastes, mouth wash, fluoride supplements and fluoride applied by dentists, according to health officials.
The American Dental Association (ADA) applauded the government announcement to reduce fluoride levels in drinking water.
The government is doing its job in recommending what community water supplies are supposed to do, said ADA spokesman Matthew Messina.