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.

Kennedy Jr. has previously said that if Republican President-elect Donald Trump won the White House, the administration would advise water systems in the United States to remove fluoride. This is despite experts and officials saying the mineral is both safe and beneficial to people’s dental health.