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2d ago

Utah’s First Statewide Fluoride Ban Set to Take Effect Tomorrow

The law, signed by Gov. Spencer Cox, is expected to impact 1.6 million residents, with dentists warning of increased dental health risks for vulnerable populations.

Dentist James Bekker points to his model of dissected human teeth while explaining the effects of removing fluoride from public drinking water, April 30, 2025, at his office in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum)
Fluoride varnish, a topical form of fluoride typically administered by dentists, is seen Monday, May, 5, 2025, at the Salt Lake Donated Dental Services clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum)
Sasha Harvey, executive director of Salt Lake Donated Dental Services, stands in her clinic that provides free or heavily discounted dental treatment to low-income patients, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum)
Dissected human teeth are displayed in the office of dentist Dr. James Bekker, April 30, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum)

Overview

  • Utah will officially become the first state in the U.S. to ban fluoride in public drinking water starting May 7, 2025, affecting residents in Salt Lake City and northern Utah.
  • Gov. Spencer Cox signed the law despite opposition from dentists and health experts who emphasize fluoride’s role in preventing tooth decay, particularly in children and low-income communities.
  • Dentists in the state are preparing for a potential rise in cavities and dental issues, with clinics already seeing long waitlists for treatment among young children in pain.
  • The ban shifts the responsibility for fluoride intake to individuals, but fluoride supplements require prescriptions, creating barriers for families with limited access to healthcare.
  • Florida is poised to follow Utah, with Gov. Ron DeSantis pledging to sign a similar bill, while other states like Ohio and South Carolina are considering comparable measures.