Fluoride bans threaten oral health of rural and low-income kids, pediatrician warns

• Fluoride strengthens enamel, reverses early tooth decay and fights harmful bacteria
• Without fluoridated water, families who can’t afford toothpaste, dental visits will suffer most
• ‘This is not the same as ingesting excessive amounts of fluoride’
• Banning fluoride supplements would disproportionally impact rural kids on well water

Florida recently became the second state to sign into law a ban on fluoride in public water systems, joining a wave of local and statewide efforts to restrict community fluoridation. The policy takes effect in July 2025. Meanwhile, FDA announced last week plans to remove ingestible fluoride supplements for children from the market.

Dr. Tomitra Latimer, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, warns these moves jeopardize children’s health — particularly those in low-income, rural and medically vulnerable communities. Latimer also is a pediatrician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

“Dental cavities are one of the most common — and most preventable — childhood diseases,” said Latimer, who also is the medical director at Lurie Children’s Pediatrics at Deming, a clinic serving many children living in poverty. “Fluoridated water is a proven, cost-effective way to protect kids, especially where dental care is limited.”

Latimer says children with limited access to dental care will be most affected, especially those living in poverty or with developmental conditions.

“Dental cavities disproportionately affect disadvantaged children,” she said. “That includes kids with autism, Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, who may take sugary medications or struggle with brushing.”

She added that for families who can’t afford fluoride varnishes during dental visits, fluoride toothpaste or even toothbrushes, “fluoridated water may be their best defense. Without it, the kids with the least will be the most impacted.”

Removing fluoride supplements, she said, compounds the danger for rural children relying on well water.

Latimer warned that the consequences may not be immediate but will be serious over time. “We’ll see more cavities, more infections and more complex procedures that require anesthesia, which carry greater risk and cost,” she said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current recommended fluoride level in public water systems — 0.7 milligrams per liter — maximizes benefits while minimizing harms like dental fluorosis.

“This is not the same as ingesting excessive amounts of fluoride” Latimer said. “Extensive research confirms the recommended level significantly reduces dental cavities without posing health risks.

“Water fluoridation is one of our greatest public health successes, right up there with childhood immunizations. It strengthens enamel to resist decay, helps re-mineralize early damage and reduces the bacteria and acid that cause cavities.”

Latimer is available for media interviews with the media. Contact Ben Schamisso at ben.schamisso@northwestern.edu to schedule an interview