Locally and nationally a debate surrounding fluoride has erupted. People are divided on whether adding fluoride to tap water is healthy or if it is dangerous.
For background, many communities have had fluoride in tap water since Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city in 1945. Since then, many Americans tap water has included fluoride. According to Stateline.org, “At least a dozen states have laws mandating that larger communities [have fluoride in the water]”. Moreover, The Centers for Disease Control published estimates that 63% of United States citizens “receive fluoridated water” as of 2022. Additionally, the CDC also says that of Florida’s nineteen million people on Community Water Service, 15 million people have fluoride in their tap water. Essentially, 78% of Floridians who have access to tap water also have fluoride in their water. Per capita, Florida ranks 23rd out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. D.C. is number one per capita with every single house having fluoride in their tap water.
Internationally, some countries have fluoride in their water, while other nations do not. Only three countries mandate that their nation’s have fluoride in their tap water, with those being Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore. In Europe, estimates have shown 98% of people do not receive fluoride in their tap water. The other 2% is from Ireland and parts of Serbia, The United Kingdom and Spain. Additionally, parts of Canada and Australia have fluoride in their waters.
The reason fluoride has been added to tap water is because it is said to have a significant effect in limiting childhood tooth decay and cavities. According to the CDC, it says that fluoride “reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults”. In places where dental hygiene is subpar, experts say that fluoride in water can help children with their dental health. This data has been long standing and has led many areas to have fluoride in their water systems. The Centers for Disease Control, American Association of Pediatrics, American Dental Association all continue to recommend fluoride being added to water systems.
However, recent research has come out putting into question what we once thought was a fact. A study done by the National Institutes of Health in 2024 found that when pregnant mothers were exposed to fluoride, their children experienced lower average scores on an IQ test at ages three or four. Additionally, an older study from the United Kingdom showed that fluoride is linked to bone cancer. Furthermore, another study came out suggesting that fluoride has a link to increased rates of sleep apnea. Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a major proponent in the fight of getting fluoride out of water supplies. He has claimed that on January 20th when Donald Trump takes office he will recommend taking fluoride out of water systems.
Locally, on November 22nd, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo recommended against having fluoride in water for Florida communities. On December 4th, The Naples City Council held a meeting to decide the fate of fluoride in the city. By a margin of 4-3, the council decided that fluoride should not remain in the city’s water. Notably, this decision does not affect Marco Island, Everglades City or Immokalee. Naples has had fluoride in their water continuously since 1950.
If Robert F Kennedy Jr. does become the Secretary of Health and Human Services, he has said that he would recommend against fluoride in water on day one. It is unlikely that he could outright ban the practice, but his influence could change other states or cities’ opinion on the issue.
