Utah Fluoride Ban Gets Parents Hot Under The Collar
The Utah fluoride ban in drinking water is getting folks hot under the collar, and it has now been signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox. Many parents are up in arms because of the possibly expensive dentistry looming for their children.
The Ban In Drinking Water Upsets People
Fox 13 News carried an article on May 7 that cited experts in dentistry who believe that fluoride is a good way to prevent cavities. Pediatric dentist, Dr. Darren Chamberlain, has been preparing for this day. He has “prescribed fluoride since he started 20 years ago.” Noting this is a hot topic, he added, “Every day I’ve had more and more questions about fluoride in the water.”
People who still question the Utah fluoride ban in drinking water didn’t get much to ease their worries when NBC reported on it on YouTube last month. In the comments section, one angry person wrote, “Almost every parent who is against fluoride has…kids with cavities. That is the truth.”
Another one commented, “If you ban fluoride, a lot of people will get cavities. Most of them will have to pay out of pocket, paying outrageous prices at the dentist.”
Here are a few more irritated responses:
- Every dentist will be celebrating!! The USA is the sugar country, truely addicted!! Good luck kids, your teeth are going to rot and you will have to pay $$$$ to replace them.
- 2 years from now…”Dentists flocking to Utah, cavity epidemic!”
Where Did The Banning Idea Originate?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made no secret of strongly opposing water fluoridation. He seems concerned about “neurotoxicity,” especially in children. Citing some studies, he argued that flouride shows lower IQ results in kids.
Actually, he feels that consenting to it would be better if people could use topical fluoride treatments. Hence, the arguments by some people on YouTube that people can opt for “a toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride to get the protection. Professional treatments and pharmaceuticals are also available.”
Did Other Counties Stop Fluoride?
Many countries have already decided in favor of non-fluoridation. For example, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden have already decided that it smells of mass medication without consent, per IATP.Org.
While toothpaste and other pharmaceutical products can replace drinking water additives, people who live in poverty might have trouble buying them. Still, it looks like eventually, the entire USA might swing to the new Utah policy.
Other States
Beyond Utah’s fluoride ban, several US states are actively considering or have recently debated limiting or removing fluoride. Florida has considered it, despite the Surgeon General advising against it. But some cities did vote to stop it. Ohio and South Carolina have had similar discussions.
While bills haven’t passed in states like New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Texas, and Washington, the ongoing legislative efforts and debates indicate a growing movement questioning water fluoridation across the country.
What are your thoughts on the Utah fluoride ban? Are you worried that it might cause more cavities and rising dental costs for kids? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your parenting news and updates.
