US says too much fluoride in water

ATLANTA (AP) — Fluoride in drinking water is credited with dramatically cutting cavities and tooth decay. But now federal officials say it may be too much of a good thing.

The U.S. government wants to lower the recommended levels of fluoride in city water supplies. They say 2 out of 5 kids have tooth streaking from too much fluoride. The splotches often are noticed only by dentists. But health officials think fluoride limits should be reduced.

An administration official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the changes before today’s announcement described the government’s plans in an interview with The Associated Press.