Fluoride Ban In Public Water Sparks Heated Debate

Drinking water might change forever.

Utah is close to becoming the first state in the U.S. to prohibit the addition of fluoride to public water systems statewide, which would override local government decisions on the matter. The legislation is now waiting for Governor Spencer Cox’s approval, though it is unclear if he will sign it into law. If enacted, this would represent a significant shift from the common practice of water fluoridation, which has been praised for its role in improving public health.

Proponents of the bill, such as state Representative Stephanie Gricius and state Senator Kirk Cullimore, argue that adding fluoride is too expensive and emphasize the importance of giving people an informed choice. They point out that the bill doesn’t oppose fluoride itself but rather allows people to obtain it through deregulated prescriptions, like fluoride pills, if they choose.

However, many public health professionals and dental experts are worried that banning fluoride could lead to a rise in cavities, particularly in lower-income populations. Advocates of fluoridation, such as Lorna Koci from the Utah Oral Health Coalition, maintain that it is the most affordable way to prevent tooth decay on a large scale. Some believe that growing skepticism around fluoridation, partly influenced by figures like federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., may be driving this effort to eliminate it.

Utah ranks low in the nation for fluoridated water access, with only 66 out of 484 water systems in the state adding fluoride. Despite this, there is opposition to removing it in certain areas. For instance, in 2023, voters in Brigham City overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to stop fluoridating their water.

Val Radmall, executive director of the Utah Dental Association, highlighted his concerns based on years of experience working in communities without fluoridated water. He pointed out that people in those areas tend to have significantly higher rates of cavities, underscoring the need to continue water fluoridation to protect dental health.