A student drinks from a water fountain at an elementary school in California, Sept. 20, 2023. (AP Photo)
Utah is making history by becoming the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water. Despite opposition from dentists and health experts, Governor Spencer Cox has confirmed he will sign the bill. This law will prevent cities and communities from adding fluoride to their water systems.
Why Is This Decision Controversial?
Fluoride is known for strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by about 25%. Health experts call it one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century.
However, Utah lawmakers argue that fluoridation is too expensive. They also believe people should have the right to choose whether to consume fluoride. Representative Stephanie Gricius, who sponsored the bill, agrees that fluoride has benefits but says it should not be mandatory.
Dentists Warn of Health Risks
The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly opposes the ban. ADA President Brad Kessler warns that Utah may see an increase in cavities, especially among children. He says the effects could appear within months or years after fluoridation stops.
Dentists are especially concerned about low-income families. Many rely on fluoridated water as their primary source of dental care. Without it, they may struggle to afford fluoride treatments or regular dentist visits.
Governor’s Perspective
Governor Cox says many Utah communities, including the one he grew up in, have never had fluoridated water. He argues that the state has not seen drastic differences in dental health between areas with and without fluoride.
“You would think you would see drastically different outcomes with half the state not getting it… but we haven’t seen that,” Cox said in a recent interview.
He also believes the government should not force people to consume fluoride, saying, “It has to be a really high bar for me to support requiring people to be medicated by their government.”
Fluoride Debate Across the U.S.
Currently, more than 200 million Americans—about 63% of the population—receive fluoridated water. Some cities have already removed fluoride, while others are considering similar steps.
The debate over fluoride gained attention recently when a federal judge ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate it. Studies suggest that high levels of fluoride could pose risks to children's brain development.
A Fluoride Scare Sparked the Push for a Ban
The push for a fluoride ban in Utah gained momentum after a 2019 incident in Sandy, Utah. A fluoride pump malfunctioned, releasing too much fluoride into the water. Hundreds of people got sick, sparking concerns about fluoridation safety.
However, health experts say such incidents are extremely rare. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that it is "virtually impossible" to get a toxic dose of fluoride from properly regulated drinking water.
Will Other States Follow?
Experts worry Utah’s decision could influence other states. “This could set off a domino effect,” Kessler said, warning that lawmakers in other states may consider similar bans.
Utah already ranks 44th in the nation for fluoridation. Only about two in five residents receive fluoridated water. A 2024 analysis found that just 66 out of 484 Utah water systems still add fluoride. The largest is Salt Lake City.
The Role of Fluoride in Preventing Tooth Decay
Rodney Thornell, president of the Utah Dental Association, has seen the impact of fluoridated water firsthand. Before Salt Lake City added fluoride, many of his adult patients had severe cavities. Younger patients who grew up with fluoridated water had far fewer dental problems.
“If we’re going to keep eating sugar, we need fluoride,” Thornell said. He noted that Utah residents consume more candy and sugary drinks than the national average.
What Happens Next?
With the governor set to sign the bill, Utah will soon eliminate fluoridation from all public water systems. Dentists fear this could lead to higher rates of tooth decay, especially in communities with limited access to dental care.
As this debate continues, the big question remains: Should fluoride be a public health measure, or should it be a personal choice?
