The US state of Florida became the second to ban fluoride in public water supplies, joining Utah in skipping the widespread dental hygiene practice.

On Thursday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Florida Farm Bill, which precludes adding anything to the water supply that is not for the purpose of sanitizing drinking water.

“Yes, use fluoride for your teeth, that’s fine. But forcing it into the water supply is basically forced medication on people,” DeSantis said.

Fluoride was first introduced to US water systems in 1945, dramatically reducing childhood cavities and adult tooth loss. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hails it as one of the top public health achievements of the 20th century.

Ending fluoridation is generally opposed by the dental and public health communities, but controversy has grown around its potential neurotoxic effects.

Last year, the Department of Health and Human Services under former President Joe Biden concluded with “moderate confidence” that higher levels of fluoride are linked to lower IQ scores.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Florida State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo both oppose the practice, arguing it could affect children’s cognitive abilities.

The World Health Organization has called for public health authorities to ensure sufficient fluoridation, noting both its benefits in reducing tooth decay and the risks of overexposure at prolonged, high concentrations.

However, the WHO’s safety threshold stands at 1.5 milligrams per liter—about double the US guideline of 0.7 mg/L.

Fluoridation policies vary widely by country, with many, including Germany and France, eschewing the practice.

In March, the midwestern state of Utah became the first to prohibit fluoridation, with the law coming into effect this month.

© 2025 AFP