Utah has made history as the first U.S. state to ban the addition of fluoride in public water systems, a move that has ignited fierce debate between public health officials and advocates of personal choice.
Governor Spencer Cox signed the bill into law this week, with the ban set to take effect on May 7. The legislation comes amid growing pressure from figures like U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly questioned the safety of fluoride despite decades of scientific support for its benefits in preventing tooth decay.
State Representative Stephanie Gricius, who introduced the bill, argues the ban empowers citizens to choose whether or not they want to consume fluoride. She cited concerns about cognitive effects in children, although the studies referenced often reflect exposure levels far beyond those used in U.S. water systems.
Fluoride has been added to American drinking water since 1945 and is credited with drastically reducing cavities in children and adults. About 63% of the U.S. population currently receives fluoridated tap water.
Medical Experts Sound the Alarm
Public health organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Pediatrics have condemned Utah’s move. ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler criticized the decision as a “wanton disregard for oral health,” warning it could reverse decades of progress in preventing tooth decay—especially in underserved communities.
“The evidence in favor of water fluoridation is overwhelming,” Dr. Kessler said. “This decision is based on fringe science and fear, not fact.”
Kennedy, a vocal critic of fluoride, claimed last year that the chemical is linked to serious health conditions like arthritis, thyroid disease, and neurological issues. However, experts note that his claims rely on studies involving fluoride concentrations significantly higher than those used in the U.S.
A Shift in Policy or a One-Off Move?
The fluoride debate may not end with Utah. Lawmakers in Florida and Ohio are reportedly considering similar bills, raising concerns that more states could follow suit.
Internationally, most Western European countries do not fluoridate their water, relying instead on fluoride toothpaste and dental programs. In England, only about 10% of the population receives fluoridated water, although efforts to expand access are underway.
Despite recent U.S. court rulings prompting some communities to reconsider fluoridation, experts warn that removing it from water—especially in places with limited access to dental care—will likely have negative long-term consequences.
“Fluoride in water is one of the few preventive measures that benefit everyone, regardless of income or access to dental care,” said Prof. Avijit Banerjee of King’s College London. “The low levels used are safe and effective.”
As the debate grows louder, Utah’s fluoride ban stands as a bold and controversial pivot in U.S. public health policy—one that may soon have national implications
