Florida is set to become the second state to ban fluoride in public water systems. A bill prohibiting the addition of fluoride to community water supplies has already passed the state Senate, and the House is expected to vote on a similar measure soon.
Although the word “fluoride” does not appear in the Florida Farm Bill, the legislation aims to ban “certain additives in water systems” throughout the state, which includes fluoride.
If Governor Ron DeSantis signs the bill into law, Florida will join Utah, which passed a similar law in March. Utah’s law, signed by Republican Governor Spencer Cox, will take effect on May 7, making it the first state to ban fluoride in public water systems. Other states, such as Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Nebraska, are considering similar legislation.
In Wisconsin, nearly 80 communities have already voted to stop adding fluoride to their water, and more are contemplating a ban. Last year, Union County, North Carolina, voted to remove fluoride from its water supply.
The anti-fluoride movement has gained momentum in recent years, fueled in part by high-profile figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Earlier this month, Kennedy, head of the Department of Health and Human Services, announced plans to urge the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending fluoride in public water systems. However, the CDC does not make official recommendations on fluoride; those come from the U.S. Public Health Service.
Kennedy has argued that fluoride is unnecessary for preventing tooth decay, claiming that brushing with fluoride toothpaste is sufficient. However, water fluoridation has long been recognized as one of the most effective public health measures for reducing tooth decay.
During a Florida Senate debate on April 16, Senator Tina Scott Polsky defended fluoride, asking, “Find me a dentist who thinks we should get rid of fluoride.” The bill passed the Senate, and with Republicans controlling the state House, a vote against fluoridation is expected.
Opponents of fluoride argue that the issue is more political than scientific. Lorna Koci, head of the Utah Oral Health Coalition, stated that the fluoride debate is not based on health or science but rather on politics. Kennedy, who lacks training in medicine or dentistry, has previously referred to fluoride as “industrial waste” and called for its removal from public water systems.
Public health dentists, once strong defenders of fluoride, now face growing opposition and feel hesitant to speak out. One Southeast-based public health dentist described fluoride as a “four-letter word,” with many colleagues unwilling to publicly support the mineral due to fear of backlash.
The push against fluoride has intensified, fueled by broader anti-science movements, including opposition to vaccines. Public health officials, especially those working in underserved communities, worry about the impact on public health efforts. For many families, affordable dental care and fluoride treatments are not accessible, and toothpaste alone may not provide the necessary protection.
Dr. Johnny Johnson, president of the American Fluoridation Society, emphasized the importance of water fluoridation in promoting dental health, particularly in low-income communities. He criticized legislators who oppose fluoridation for disregarding the health of residents.
As the debate over fluoride continues, public health officials face increasing challenges in advocating for proven health practices without facing political or public opposition.
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