A new bill in Ohio could stop cities from adding fluoride to public water. Supporters say it protects freedom and health. Doctors say it may hurt children’s teeth. So who’s right?
What Is Fluoride and Why Is It in Our Water?
Fluoride is a mineral that is found in nature. It can be in water, soil, and some foods. For many years, cities across the U.S. have added small amounts of fluoride to drinking water. Why? Because it helps protect teeth.
Fluoride makes teeth stronger. It helps prevent cavities and tooth decay, especially in children. Groups like the CDC and the American Dental Association support it as a safe and smart public health move.
Adding fluoride is simple and low-cost. People don’t usually taste it in water. But dentists say the benefits are big, especially for people who don’t get regular dental care.
The New Ohio Bill: What It Says
In Ohio, a new law called House Bill 182 has been introduced by State Rep. Levi Dean, a Republican from Xenia. If passed, it would ban public water systems from adding fluoride.
Right now, Ohio law requires cities to add fluoride if natural levels are lower than 0.8 milligrams per liter. The new bill would remove that rule.
Rep. Dean says this isn’t about fighting science. He says it’s about choice. “It just says that individuals can then choose whether they want to ingest it or not — it’s not forced on them,” he explained.
Why Some Say It’s a Bad Idea
Many dentists and health experts are against the bill. One of them is Dr. Matthew Messina, who has worked as a dentist for over 40 years.
Dr. Messina says fluoride is a simple way to help protect teeth. He has seen what happens in towns that don’t have it. “We got a chance to see rampant dental decay in children,” he said. “It was like going back to the dark ages.”
He says fluoride helps kids who don’t go to the dentist often. It gives them some protection — even if they can’t afford dental visits.
The IQ Study That’s Causing Debate
Supporters of the bill point to a study published by JAMA Pediatrics. It looked at past research to see if fluoride might be linked to lower IQ in children.
The study did find a small link between high fluoride levels and slightly lower IQ. But most of the studies in the review came from other countries — not the United States. Many had higher natural fluoride levels than U.S. water systems allow.
Even the authors of the review said most of the studies they used were “highly biased.” They also said the evidence was weak below 1.5 mg/L of fluoride. Ohio’s maximum is just 0.8 mg/L.
Still, Rep. Dean says it raises enough questions. “That’s why I think it should be up to the individual to choose what levels they engage with fluoride at,” he said.
What Supporters of the Ban Are Saying
People who support the bill often bring up these concerns:
- Freedom of Choice: They believe people should decide what goes into their bodies — not the government.
- Health Questions: Some think even small amounts of fluoride may affect long-term health, especially in children.
- Parental Rights: Parents may want to choose fluoride-free toothpaste or supplements, instead of having it added to tap water.
- Less Government Control: They say people should be trusted to care for their own health without government rules forcing them to drink treated water.
Rep. Dean uses fluoride-free toothpaste himself. He believes everyone should be able to make that same choice.
What Critics Are Saying
People who want to keep fluoride in the water system raise different points:
- Dental Protection: Fluoride helps prevent cavities and tooth decay, especially in children who don’t see a dentist often.
- Low Cost, Big Benefit: Cities can protect many people’s teeth with just a small amount of fluoride in the water.
- Protecting the Most Vulnerable: Families in rural or low-income areas might not be able to afford dental visits or fluoride supplements.
Dr. Messina warned that removing fluoride could be harmful. “We have a known beneficial, preventative part of our tool kit,” he said. “For us to continue to go forward without that — we’re really leaving one of our best weapons behind.”
Where Lawmakers Stand
Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, a Republican, says he’s still learning about fluoride. He admitted he didn’t know it was added to water until recently.
“Now there appears to be some science that says too much fluoride, including adding fluoride, is bad for folks,” Huffman said. He added, “We’re going to sort of litigate that question in the legislature over the next couple of months.”
On the other side, House Minority Leader Allison Russo, a Democrat and public health expert, strongly supports fluoride in water. “The benefits are clear in dental health,” she said.
When asked if the bill could be the start of privatizing water or health services, Russo said, “I see this as a basic human right. Every household should expect clean, safe tap water.”
What It Means for You and Your Family
If the bill becomes law, fluoride would no longer be added to public drinking water in Ohio. This could impact families in different ways:
🔍 For Supporters of the Bill:
- Health Concerns: Some believe fluoride might harm brain development in children or cause other health effects that need more study.
- Personal Freedom: People would have the choice to avoid fluoride if they don’t want it.
- Parental Rights: Families could decide what’s best for their kids without government input.
- Less Chemical Exposure: Removing fluoride means fewer added substances in tap water.
🏥 For Critics of the Bill:
- More Dental Problems: Dentists worry that more kids could get cavities if fluoride is removed.
- Higher Costs: Families might have to buy fluoride tablets or pay more for dental care.
- Wider Health Gaps: Low-income or rural families may not have access to other fluoride options.
The bigger question is: Should fluoride stay in water to protect public health, or should each person decide for themselves?
Will Governor DeWine Step In?
Governor Mike DeWine hasn’t said if he supports the bill. But in the past, he has supported doctors and scientists. He often speaks out against health misinformation and supports kids’ health programs.
Some believe he may veto the bill if it passes. Others say he might stay quiet and let the legislature decide.
Final Thoughts: A Health Tool or Government Overreach?
This isn’t just a question about fluoride. It’s about who gets to decide what’s in your water.
Supporters of the bill say it’s about freedom, health choice, and smaller government. Critics say it’s about protecting public health and helping kids who need it most.
As lawmakers debate, families across Ohio are left wondering:
Are we protecting people — or taking away one of the tools that helped generations stay healthy?