Florida has enacted a law banning fluoride in public water systems, becoming the second state to do so. This policy will take effect in July 2025 and aligns with other local and statewide efforts to limit community fluoridation. Additionally, the FDA announced plans last week to remove ingestible fluoride supplements for children from the market.
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, has expressed concern over these developments. She believes they pose a risk to children's health, particularly those in low-income, rural, and medically vulnerable communities.
"Dental cavities are one of the most common — and most preventable — childhood diseases," stated Latimer, who also serves as the medical director at Lurie Children’s Pediatrics at Deming. "Fluoridated water is a proven, cost-effective way to protect kids, especially where dental care is limited."
Latimer emphasized that children with restricted access to dental care would be most affected by these changes. This includes those living in poverty or with developmental conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy.
“Dental cavities disproportionately affect disadvantaged children,” she said. “That includes kids with autism, Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, who may take sugary medications or struggle with brushing.”
She pointed out that families unable to afford fluoride varnishes during dental visits might rely on fluoridated water as their primary defense against tooth decay. Without it, she warns that "the kids with the least will be the most impacted."
The removal of fluoride supplements could further endanger rural children who depend on well water for their daily needs.
Latimer cautioned about long-term consequences: “We’ll see more cavities, more infections and more complex procedures that require anesthesia, which carry greater risk and cost.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recommended level of fluoride in public water systems is 0.7 milligrams per liter. This level aims to maximize benefits while minimizing risks such as dental fluorosis.
“This is not the same as ingesting excessive amounts of fluoride,” Latimer clarified. “Extensive research confirms the recommended level significantly reduces dental cavities without posing health risks.”
She praised water fluoridation as one of our greatest public health achievements alongside childhood immunizations: “It strengthens enamel to resist decay helps re-mineralize early damage and reduces bacteria and acid that cause cavities.”
For media interviews with Dr. Latimer contact Ben Schamisso at ben.schamisso@northwestern.edu.