Creator of popular mouthwash to face lawsuit over claims it misled parents over child safety | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJoe SommerladMonday 30 March 2026 18:31 BSTRelated: Trump says RFK Jr's proposed fluoride ban 'sounds OK'A US federal judge has allowed two class-action lawsuits against Colgate-Palmolive to proceed, alleging the company misled parents about the suitability of its fluoride mouthwashes for young children.US District Judge Andrea Wood ruled that Colgate's packaging, featuring terms like 'kids' and 'children's' and child-friendly flavours, could suggest the products are safe for youngsters, despite healthcare warnings against fluoride rinses for under-sixes.The ruling follows similar legal actions against other dental product manufacturers, including Procter & Gamble, Perrigo, and Sanofi, concerning their fluoride product packaging for children.The broader debate around fluoride's safety is highlighted, with Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. campaigning against it due to neurodevelopmental risks, and an HHS report linking high levels to lower IQ in children.Conversely, studies indicate that removing fluoride from water could significantly increase tooth decay, while the American Dental Association maintains that fluoride is safe when used at prescribed levels.In fullColgate must face lawsuit over mouthwash safety for kids, judge rulesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in