Utah To Become The First State To Ban Fluoride In Drinking Water

With many developments in the US in its health sector ever since Trump has become its 47th President, now, Utah could become the first state to ban fluoride in its drinking water. This is alarming, say the public health experts and dentists who have noted this mineral's role in reducing tooth decay.

The bill is sent by the Republican-controlled statehouse who sent the legislation to Gov. Spencer Cox, and if the bill is signed into law, it would prohibit adding fluoride to public water systems. It would also bar other cities and counties from requiring the mineral in their water.

Why Do You Need Fluoride?

Fluoride plays an important role in strengthening tooth enamel and is more resistant to cavities. It also reduces the amount of acid produced by bacteria on teeth, which in turn reduces plaque. Interestingly, this mineral also helps reverse early decay and remineralize tooth enamel. Fluoride stimulates new bone formation, thereby, playing a pivotal role in the skeletal system.

It is also important in protecting bones from mineral loss, as in osteoporosis. Important sources of fluoride are drinking water, mouthwash, toothpaste and supplements. However, on the contrary, daily intake of high amounts of fluoride has been associated with fluorosis, discoloration and mottling of the teeth during development. However, for the Republican government, this must be banned as it is against their MAHA branding of Make America Healthy Again. Ever since RFK Jr. has become the secretary of Health and Human Services, he has made sure to implement bans on things he believes are not healthy, which includes fluoride in drinking water, which as per him should be banned altogether.

The Logic Behind

While the opponent are arguing that it infringes on communities' right to decide to use the cavity-fighting mineral and also departs from decades of science demonstrating fluoride's enamel strengthening. Those in favor argue that this is a way to medicate the public without informing them, and if the bill is passed, it would prevent the government from medicating the public without its consent.

Fluoride In The Past

While debates over fluoride use aren’t new—Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first U.S. city to fluoridate its water in 1945—the issue has traditionally been local rather than political. Interestingly, some Democratic-leaning states, like Oregon and New Jersey, have lower fluoridation rates, while Republican strongholds, such as Kentucky and South Carolina, have some of the highest.

Most Americans consume fluoridated water, including nearly half of Utah’s population. According to the CDC, community water fluoridation, which adjusts fluoride levels to recommended amounts, helps reduce oral health disparities. While most communities add fluoride voluntarily, about a dozen states mandate it—some for over 50 years.

In Utah, fluoridated water is available in Salt Lake County, Davis County, and Brigham City. Residents in these areas experience 25% to 50% less tooth decay than those without fluoridation, according to the Utah Dental Association. The group strongly opposes House Bill 81 and has urged residents to call Gov. Spencer Cox’s office to demand a veto.

“This bill contradicts efforts to reduce dental decay and strengthen enamel,” the association stated, as reported in the Washington Post.

The American Dental Association also weighed in, sending a letter to Cox on Tuesday urging him to reject the bill.

“If passed, Utah would become the only state to end this preventive health practice, which has been trusted and tested for over 75 years,” the letter stated, calling fluoridation a key public health strategy.

However, Rep. Stephanie Gricius (R), the bill’s sponsor, argues the legislation is about personal choice.

“Community water fluoridation removes the element of informed consent, which is essential in good healthcare policy,” she wrote in an email to The Washington Post, expressing optimism that Cox will sign the bill given its broad legislative support.