Florida's Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, has advised local governments across the state to stop adding fluoride to public drinking water, calling it "public health malpractice." This recommendation goes against decades of research showing that water fluoridation has greatly improved dental health and reduced cavities, saving billions in dental care costs.

Fluoride in Water: A Controversial Topic

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral in water and food, has been added to community water supplies in the U.S. for over 70 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health organizations have praised water fluoridation as one of the most effective public health measures in history. However, Surgeon General Ladapo pointed to studies linking high fluoride exposure to possible neurological damage in children, including lower IQ and increased risks of ADHD.

Although fluoride is found naturally in water sources, U.S. health officials recommend a concentration of 0.7 milligrams per liter. Studies by the National Toxicology Program suggest that higher fluoride levels (above 1.5 milligrams per liter) could affect children's cognitive development, but research has not linked current U.S. levels with such risks.

Ladapo argues that with fluoride available in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other products, adding it to drinking water is no longer necessary. He stressed that there are alternative ways to promote dental health without exposing children and pregnant women to fluoride through public water systems.

Opinions on Fluoride in Water

Despite Ladapo’s stance, major health organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Dental Association continue to support fluoridation, noting its benefits in preventing tooth decay, especially for low-income families. The Florida Dental Association also expressed concern that removing fluoride would lead to higher rates of dental issues in children.

Some Florida cities, such as Winter Haven and Collier County, have already voted to eliminate fluoride in their water, following Ladapo’s advice. He urged other Florida communities to consider similar actions, calling for more research to understand the potential risks of water fluoridation.

The debate over fluoride in water highlights the growing divide between longstanding public health practices and emerging scientific findings, with Florida at the forefront of the discussion.

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