Pediatrician Warns that Banning Fluoride in Public Water Systems Jeopardizes Kids' Oral Health in Rural and Low-Income Communities

Recent legislation in Florida has made it the second state to outlaw fluoride in public water supplies, reflecting a growing trend of local and statewide efforts to restrict community water fluoridation. Effective from July 2025, this policy could have significant public health implications. Simultaneously, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to phase out the sale of fluoride supplements intended for children, further reducing fluoride availability.

Dr. Tomitra Latimer, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a pediatrician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, emphasizes the potential risks posed by these measures. She highlights that, "dental cavities are among the most common—and most preventable—childhood diseases," and water fluoridation remains a proven, cost-effective strategy for safeguarding children's dental health, particularly in communities with limited access to dental care.

Latimer points out that children in low-income, rural, or medically vulnerable settings will bear the brunt of these changes. Children with developmental conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy often require medications high in sugars or face challenges maintaining proper oral hygiene. For these children, fluoridated water provides a critical layer of protection.

For families unable to afford fluoride varnishes or specialized dental treatments, fluoridated water—alongside fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushes—serves as an essential defense against cavities. Removing access to fluoride supplements especially endangers children relying on well water, common in rural areas.

Latimer warns that while the negative effects may not be immediately apparent, over time, the absence of fluoride will likely lead to increased cavities, infections, and the need for more invasive dental procedures which carry additional risks and costs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends maintaining fluoride levels in public water systems at 0.7 milligrams per liter, a concentration that maximizes benefits while minimizing the risk of dental fluorosis. According to Latimer, "This is not the same as excessive fluoride intake. Extensive research confirms that the recommended levels effectively reduce dental cavities without health risks."

Water fluoridation remains one of the most successful public health measures, comparable to childhood immunizations, as it strengthens tooth enamel, promotes remineralization of early damage, and decreases harmful bacteria and acids that cause decay.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-fluoride-threaten-oral-health-rural.html