Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has signed a bill into law that prohibits the addition of fluoride or any other additives to drinking water, making Florida the second state, after Utah, to implement such a ban. This decision, supported by controversial figures like Robert F Kennedy Jr and Florida’s surgeon general Joseph Ladapo, goes against the advice of public health experts and medical professionals who warn that the absence of fluoride may lead to increased tooth decay and cavities, particularly in children.
The American Dental Association expressed concern over the potential negative impacts of fluoride removal, highlighting the detrimental effects on vulnerable populations. On the contrary, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that fluoride plays a crucial role in repairing and safeguarding teeth when administered in controlled amounts.
Studies in Israel have shown a rise in dental treatments following the removal of fluoride from water supplies. Governor DeSantis defended the bill as a measure to prevent “forced medication” and criticized the imposition of fluoride in water as an infringement on personal choice. The law will take effect statewide on July 1 and prohibits the use of certain additives in water systems, without explicitly mentioning fluoride.
Despite the prevalence of fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwashes, DeSantis emphasized the importance of individual choice in using fluoride for dental care. Approximately 100 public water systems in Florida currently fluoridate their drinking water supplies, according to the state’s department of health.
