Fluoride is added to water to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities, but communities are abandoning the practice because of health concerns.

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.

Days before the election, Kennedy posted on social media that a Trump White House would advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from the public water supply, which goes against public health recommendations yet jibes with a large number of people who question the safety of fluoridating water.

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.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for an end to the public health practice of putting fluoride in water. Why it matters: If he's confirmed as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in the new Trump administration,

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has called for an end to the practice of putting fluoride in water.