Fluoride Ban Begins With Utah

The state is leading the way.

Utah is set to become the first state to prohibit the use of fluoride in public drinking water, despite strong opposition from dental professionals and national health organizations. Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, has announced he will sign the bill into law, which will prevent local governments from making decisions about whether to add fluoride to their water supplies.

Fluoride has long been recognized for its ability to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities by replenishing minerals lost during daily wear. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, water fluoridation has been one of the most significant public health achievements of the past century, reducing tooth decay by about 25%. The American Dental Association strongly supports fluoridation, warning that discontinuing it could lead to increased cavities, especially among children.

Supporters of the ban argue that fluoride is too costly and that individuals should have the freedom to choose whether to consume it. Rep. Stephanie Gricius, the bill’s Republican sponsor, stated that while fluoride has benefits, it should be a matter of personal choice. Governor Cox also noted that he grew up in an area without fluoridated water and did not observe any significant differences in dental health outcomes compared to areas with fluoridation.

Opponents of the bill caution that removing fluoride from the water supply will disproportionately affect low-income families who may not have access to other forms of dental care, such as regular dental visits or fluoride supplements. They argue that fluoridation is the most cost-effective way to prevent widespread tooth decay, especially for communities with limited access to private dental services.

The debate over fluoridation has gained national attention, with some cities already removing fluoride from their water, and others considering similar measures. Critics argue that Utah’s decision could inspire other states to follow suit, potentially reversing decades of public health progress. Despite concerns, Utah lawmakers believe that local control and individual choice should take precedence over state mandates.