For decades, local governments across the United States have added fluoride to drinking water to help reduce cavities and improve dental health. Today, nearly two-thirds of Americans have access to fluoridated water, often credited with lowering the rate of tooth decay, especially in children.
Water fluoridation was first introduced in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1945, after studies showed that children who drank naturally fluoridated water had fewer cavities. The practice quickly spread across the country, supported by decades of research.
But recently, the conversation around fluoride has shifted. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy has publicly called for the removal of fluoride from public water systems, citing concerns over the potential effects of long-term exposure.
“We don’t need fluoride in our water,” Kennedy said on Morning Edition. “It’s a very bad way to deliver it into our systems.”
Following his statements, some states have begun to take action, moving toward bans on water fluoridation and raising concerns among health professionals and educators.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, community water fluoridation can reduce cavities in children and adults by about 25%. It’s also been recognized by the CDC as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Some critics argue that fluoride, when consumed in high amounts, could lead to negative health effects, including dental fluorosis, which is a mild discoloration of teeth and potential long-term risks, though those claims are still debated in the scientific community.
Still, the fluoride levels used in drinking water are carefully regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and are considered safe by organizations like the American Dental Association.
Others point to concerns about informed consent, arguing that individuals should have the right to choose what substances they consume, even in small doses. These concerns, paired with growing skepticism about government-regulated health practices, have pushed the debate further into the public spotlight.
Among students on campus, awareness and opinions about fluoride in drinking water vary.
“I had no idea that fluoride had been added to drinking water,” said Meredith Peyton, a junior psychology major. “I’m not really sure what fluoride is, and I feel kind of uneasy about it being in my water.”
However, Georgia Barham-Taylor, who is a junior biology major, did not have concerns.
“I personally am not against adding fluoride to the water,” Barham-Taylor said. “However, I do understand why it causes worry in others.”
According to Roselyn Crisp, president of the North Carolina Dental Society and a pediatric dentist, eliminating fluoride could have the most noticeable impact on underserved communities, particularly those with limited access to routine dental care or who may not be able to afford fluoride toothpaste and treatments.
Without fluoride in the water, preventative dental care may become less accessible to large portions of the population, potentially leading to a rise in cavities, tooth extractions and other oral health issues, especially among children and older adults.
“I think it is perfectly fine that the government decides what is added to our drinking water,” Barham-Taylor said. “As long as these actions are backed by legitimate scientific data and the public remains informed.”
As more states like Florida, South Carolina and Ohio weigh the decision to keep or ban fluoride, the debate is far from over. For now, experts urge students and the public to stay informed and look at the science before jumping to conclusions.
“The U.S. isn’t known for doing well when it comes to public health,” Peyton said. “ However, it is important for the government to have control over what is in our water as they have more knowledge about it than the general public.”
In the end, the future of fluoride in public water might just come down to finding the right balance between science, personal choice and what feels right for each community.