Florida joins Utah in banning fluoride from public water systems
Florida is the second state to take steps toward ending fluoridation in public water systems. Utah became the first in March.
Scripps News
- Florida legislators have mandated that local governments cannot add fluoride to their water systems.
- The American Dental Association and the CDC recommend optimally fluoridated water for dental health.
- The author argues that this mandate undermines local government control and disregards scientific evidence.
It seems like the usual bypass of local governments again (in terms of control of their own affairs) rides again. This time the State of Florida’s legislators have taken it upon themselves to mandate that any local jurisdiction in the state cannot decide to add (or not add) fluoride to their water systems to help protect the teeth, particularly that of their youngest residents. It dictates that no local government can add fluoride to their water system.
The American Dental Association (ADA) is a science-based organization with health care professionals dedicated to improving the oral and overall health of the public and remains committed to the oral health benefits of optimally fluoridated water.
To prevent dental disease the American Dental Association (ADA) continues to recommend drinking optimally fluoridated water along with twice daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and eating a healthy diet, low in added sugars, according to Dr. Brett Kessler, president of the ADA.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC) has noted the following as regards fluoridation of our water supply:
The fluoride in our water has passively protected the oral health of Americans for decades by reducing cavities, tooth decay, and dental health disparities. So much so that the CDC has declared community water fluoridation one of the 20th century’s greatest public health achievements (Nov. 26, 2024).
One can look at the preponderance of scientific evidence about the beneficial effects of having an optimal amount of fluoride in the water system.
See the column in the Tallahassee Democrat published on Feb. 4, 2025, entitled, “Water fluoridation: A public health approach to support dental care (https://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/wellness/2025/02/04/fluoridation-as-a-public-health-approach-to-better-dental-care/78097232007/).
The long-term consequences will not bode well for the dental health of many Floridians, particularly those that do not have ready access to regular dental care and/or the ability to purchase fluoride rinses to help protect their dental health.
Short-sighted top-down governmental approaches to public health preventative interventions like that of fluoride does a disservice to the many Floridians (and others nationwide) that benefit from fluoride in helping prevent early tooth decay.
It used to be that the best government was one which allowed local governments (who are much more aware of their local needs and priorities) to make decisions about issues that affect them – even more importantly when scientific evidence and “best practices” allow them to make an informed decision.
I believe the right to decide is called democracy. Local elected officials should have the opportunity to decide what is in the best interest of their population, not the State of Florida dictating that one size fits all.
Mark A. Mahoney is a public health specialist who received a master’s degree from Teachers College/Columbia University in Nutrition and Public Health, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in South America and is also a 2024 graduate of the Tallahassee Lifelong Leaders Class.
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