Colgate Wins One, Loses Two Bids to Dismiss Kids’ Fluoride Cases

The Colgate-Palmolive Co. can’t dismiss two cases alleging it mislead consumers with advertising suggesting that certain fluoride-containing mouthwashes it produces are safe for young children, but a case making similar allegations about toothpaste will be dismissed, a federal district court ruled Friday.

Judge Andrea R. Wood with the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ruled in three related cases, which were brought by parents who allege Colgate-Palmolive mislead them as to the safety of fluoride-containing mouthwash and toothpaste they purchased for their children, all of whom were below the age of six.

The cases involve products ...