1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

Gov. DeSantis' decision to ban fluoride additives in Florida's drinking water disregards the proven benefits of fluoridation for dental health. Fluoride strengthens teeth and prevents cavities, a practice utilized by 75% of US water systems since the 1950s based on scientific evidence. While estimated to save around $100,000 annually for facilities like Bay County, this cost-cutting measure comes at the expense of increased dental issues and healthcare costs statewide, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations lacking alternative fluoride access. Discontinuing this crucial public health measure prioritizes modest savings over the well-being of Floridians, with lasting negative repercussions. A responsible administration should reinstate fluoridation to safeguard constituents' dental health based on established science and data, rather than this reckless policy undermining sound public health principles.