Field Notes: Fluoride Ban

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes community water fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 1900s. Fluoride reduces 25% of tooth decay in children and adults. This ban has scary implications for all Americans, because it will empower other states that have been pushing this agenda to pursue banning fluoridation as well. 

There is no valid reason to outright ban fluoridation. While there has been a study discussing the harmful effects of excessive fluoride exposure, other studies maintain that community level fluoridation is not likely to reach a toxic level.  This ban will absolutely harm low-income and rural communities who have reduced access to dental care. If politicians do not care about the health of the people and think fluoridation is an unnecessary expense, they need to have the numbers to back it up. The cost-effectiveness of fluoridation speaks for itself. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control:

A study by the Texas Department of Health confirmed that the state saved $24 per child, per year in Medicaid expenditures for children because of the cavities that were prevented by drinking fluoridated water.

The American Dental Association forecasts that without fluoridation, “Tooth decay can be expected to increase if water fluoridation in a community is discontinued even if topical products such as fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthrinses are widely used.” Dentists would profit most from banning fluoridation, so the ADA's support proves its value. Poor health outcomes and increased personal and state spending create a lose-lose situation. I hope for the best for the people of Utah and am interested to see the long-term effects of this ban. 

While pursuing my degree at UTMB, we have discussed the efficacy of upstream solutions: targeting a problem at its source and dealing with it accordingly. Fluoridation is a perfect example of an upstream solution: it is accessible to all social classes, it is very effective in prevention of cavities, and it saves everyone money! Unfortunately, after a ban like this, public health and clinical practitioners will be forced to deal with this health issue as cases arise instead of preventing them from the start. I implore all public health professionals to loudly oppose the fluoridation ban. 

While this ban is taking place in Utah, Texas is facing a similar movement. The Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has called for a statewide ban, and some cities have already discontinued water fluoridation. We must contact our representatives at local and state levels to show our support for fluoridation. You can identify your state representatives here. Below is a template to express your support of fluoridation.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Your Email] [Your Phone Number] [Date] The Honorable [Representative’s Name] [Their Office Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: Continued Support for Community Water Fluoridation Dear [Representative’s Name], I am writing to express my strong support for community water fluoridation (CWF) and to encourage you to continue advocating for this essential public health measure. As a [concerned citizen/healthcare professional/community leader], I recognize the significant role fluoridation plays in promoting oral health and preventing tooth decay for individuals of all ages. Decades of scientific research, endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), confirm that fluoridation is a safe, cost-effective, and equitable way to reduce dental cavities. Numerous studies show that communities with fluoridated water experience fewer dental issues, leading to lower healthcare costs and improved overall well-being, particularly among children, seniors, and underserved populations. Despite its proven benefits, community water fluoridation continues to face challenges from misinformation and unfounded concerns. It is crucial that we rely on sound science and public health expertise to guide policy decisions that impact our communities. I urge you to continue supporting policies that maintain and expand fluoridation efforts in [your city/state] to ensure that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to this critical preventive measure. I appreciate your dedication to public health and your leadership on this important issue. Please let me know if there are any upcoming discussions or initiatives regarding water fluoridation — I would be happy to offer my support in any way possible. Thank you for your time and commitment to the health of our community. I look forward to your response and continued advocacy for evidence-based policies. Sincerely, [Your Name]