A growing movement to remove fluoride from public drinking water is sparking sharp debate across the U.S., as Utah becomes the first state to enact a fluoride ban and Florida edges closer to following suit. Backed by political heavyweights like U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the push to end decades-old fluoridation policies has left many public health experts sounding the alarm — especially for children and pregnant women.
Is Fluoride in Water Really Necessary?
Since 1945, U.S. water systems have added small amounts of fluoride to public water supplies to help prevent cavities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers water fluoridation one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, credited with reducing tooth decay across populations regardless of income level or access to dental care.
Many dentists and health organizations maintain that controlled fluoride exposure is safe and plays a vital role in protecting children’s teeth, with minimal risk of side effects. Studies show fluoridation has helped prevent millions of cavities nationwide — making the new wave of legislative bans especially concerning to oral health advocates.
Why States Are Banning Fluoride Now
In Utah, Governor Spencer Cox signed legislation banning fluoride from public water supplies, effective May 7. The bill, introduced by Republican lawmaker Stephanie Gricius, does not cite explicit health risks but argues that residents should have the right to choose whether they consume fluoride.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly appointed U.S. Health Secretary, amplified national attention last year by publicly questioning water fluoridation. Kennedy claimed fluoride is linked to various health issues, including IQ loss, thyroid disease, and bone cancer — although most public health experts have dismissed these claims as exaggerated or based on studies from countries with far higher fluoride exposure than the U.S.
Meanwhile, Florida lawmakers have passed similar legislation banning fluoride, which now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature. DeSantis has called fluoridation “forced medication” and has already recommended prohibiting fluoride additives statewide. If signed, Florida’s ban would take effect July 1.
The Science and the Skepticism
Critics of the bans — including the American Dental Association — argue that removing fluoride could have serious consequences for oral health, particularly for children and pregnant women, whose developing teeth benefit most from trace fluoride exposure.
They point to past case studies like Calgary, Canada. The city banned fluoride in 2011, only to reverse its decision a decade later after dental cavities sharply increased among children.
To address the controversy, Kennedy’s Department of Health and Human Services recently tasked the CDC with reconvening an independent panel of experts to review fluoride’s safety and benefits in U.S. water supplies.
What This Means for Families
For women — especially those pregnant or hoping to conceive — and parents of young children, the fluoride debate touches on long-term health and community wellness. While both Kennedy and DeSantis frame their positions as empowering personal choice, many public health officials urge caution.
Without fluoride in public water, families may need to turn to alternative sources, like fluoride toothpaste or dental treatments, to maintain cavity protection — potentially adding cost and complexity to everyday care.
The Bottom Line
The fluoride ban movement is gaining political steam — but at odds with decades of dental and public health research. As more states weigh similar measures, families will want to stay informed, talk to their healthcare providers, and ensure they’re getting the fluoride protection they need, no matter where they live.
