Summary
Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water after Republican Gov. Spencer Cox signed legislation prohibiting local decisions on fluoridation.
Cox cited cost and personal choice, likening fluoride to government “medication.”
The ban faces opposition from dentists and health experts, who argue fluoride prevents cavities and benefits low-income communities.
Nearly two-thirds of Americans receive fluoridated water. Some cities have already removed fluoride, and a recent court order requires the EPA to regulate high levels that may affect children’s intellectual development.
This, this is what people completely whiff on…
People forget not everyone can afford toothpaste…
Some people are unable to comprehend poverty. “just buy toothpaste” is low-key the equivalent of “just get a loan from your family and start your own business” or “Just get your accountant to write it off” or “just buy a second house” or “just let the lawyers clean it up”. If you have the financial means, certain problems just don’t affect you.
I only use home brand toothpaste which is like 50cent here in Europe. Everyone can afford that or they have other bigger issues than their fluoride intake
You’d be surprised how much the intersection of “I luve in a literal cardboard box and can’t afford toothpaste” and “no longer getting fluoride in my water super fucks me over” is.
There’s huge chunks of the population who, yes, can’t a0fford to brush their teeth, they Jaber neither toothbrush nor toothpaste.
But they do drink free tap water, and that as a source of fluoride in any sane city is a powerful cheap way to help with their bone health, teeth health, etc.
Cities that turn off fluoride in the water are, 4-5 years later, going to have some seriously excercerbated problems in their homeless communities which is going to impact everyone.
It’s very dumb short term thinking that only someone very stupid would do…