Fluoride in the Water and What It Means for Your Teeth
Fluoride has become a hot topic, particularly in Florida, where lawmakers and public health officials have raised concerns about its safety. In May 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that officially bans the addition of fluoride to public water supplies, making Florida the second state to eliminate this long-standing public health practice.
The law, part of the Florida Farm Bill, doesn’t specifically mention fluoride but restricts certain additives, effectively ending its use. Florida’s Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, has advised local governments to halt fluoridation, calling it “public health malpractice,” despite the consensus among most health experts that fluoridation has significantly improved dental health, saved money, and reduced childhood cavities. This move marks a shift, as several counties and the state work to remove fluoride from water systems altogether.
What Is Fluoride and Why Was It Added to Water?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in groundwater, rainwater, certain plants, and even some foods. It’s a key element for strong dental health, as it helps to remineralize tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
Decades ago, scientists noticed that communities with naturally occurring fluoride in their water had lower rates of cavities. This discovery led researchers to explore the potential benefits of adding fluoride to public water supplies as a way to reduce tooth decay across populations. By adjusting the fluoride levels in drinking water, communities could ensure that everyone, regardless of age or income, had access to a simple, cost-effective means of preventing cavities and improving overall dental health. This practice became widespread in many countries and has been recognized as one of the most successful public health initiatives of the 20th century.
Why Is Fluoride Now Being Questioned?
Florida’s Surgeon General and several lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential neurodevelopmental risks of fluoride, particularly in children, as a reason to halt water fluoridation. A recent review by the US National Toxicology Program highlighted that excessive fluoride exposure, above the recommended levels, may be linked to lower IQ in children. As a result, several counties and now the state are moving toward limiting or banning fluoride additives in public water systems.
However, the CDC, American Dental Association, and most global health organizations continue to strongly support water fluoridation at the recommended level of 0.7 mg/L, emphasizing that there is no convincing scientific evidence of harm at this concentration. As with any medical intervention, the key is proper dosing.
What has changed over time, though, is the availability of topical fluoride treatments, such as toothpaste and professional dental treatments, which gives us more control over how and when fluoride is used, allowing for more personalized and targeted care.
Fluoride and Cavity Prevention
Fluoride continues to be a key factor in preventing tooth decay, offering significant protection, especially for those who are most vulnerable to cavities, including:
- Children whose teeth are still developing: Fluoride helps strengthen developing enamel, making it more resistant to decay and protecting against early childhood cavities.
- Seniors with gum recession or dry mouth: As we age, our gums can recede, and saliva production may decrease, leading to an increased risk of cavities. Fluoride helps remineralize weakened enamel and protects against decay in these more vulnerable areas.
- Patients with high cavity risk due to diet or hygiene challenges: Individuals who consume sugary foods and drinks regularly, or those with difficulties maintaining proper oral hygiene, are at a higher risk for cavities. Fluoride provides an extra layer of protection by fortifying the enamel and preventing further damage.
At Norton Dental Arts, we offer a variety of fluoride treatments designed to meet your specific needs, including:
- In-office fluoride treatments: Professional fluoride treatments that provide a higher concentration of fluoride for added protection, especially effective for patients with active decay or those who need extra cavity prevention.
- Prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste: A potent solution for those with a high risk of cavities or those recovering from dental procedures, helping to strengthen and protect enamel daily.
- Personalized prevention plans: We take a tailored approach, assessing your dental health, lifestyle, and risk factors to create a custom plan that ensures you’re receiving the most effective fluoride treatments for your unique situation.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive fluoride care, helping you maintain a healthy, cavity-free smile at every stage of life.
Talk To a Dentist Near You at Norton Dental Arts
Whether your local water contains fluoride or not, Norton Dental Arts can help ensure you’re getting the right level of protection. Our team will assess your cavity risk, hygiene habits, and dietary factors to build a custom plan.
We respect all viewpoints and support evidence-based care. If you’re concerned about fluoride, let’s talk through it together.
