Reasons Utah Fluoride Ban Could Actually Be Disastrous for Kids

As Utah gears up to put a full ban on fluoride in water, people ask if this is a decision that should be left to non-health officials.  

Though Utah will be making history as the first state to ban fluoride in drinking water, other countries have already tried this and had some less than satisfactory results.  

Fluoride is an anticavity chemical that is supported by the American Dental Association and other health organizations. NBC News said that studies about fluoride lessened tooth decay by 25%.  

When Canada enforced a fluoride ban, dentists saw an increase in cavities at younger ages and more severe cases of cavities, CBC said.  

Studies were done by the Canadian Agency for Dugs and Technologies in Health and came back conclusive.  

“The evidence in this review supports the protective role of community water fluoridation in reducing dental caries [cavities] in children and adults,"-CBC News 

When fluoride is banned in water it takes some enamel protection away from the general population. Since fluoride is a chemical that helps strengthen and protect teeth, dentists could see an increase in dental problems with the ban.  

For those who already don’t have dental insurance and can’t afford to pay out of pocket, this ban could be detrimental.  

Local cities in Utah won’t be able to vote against this and it will be a state-wide ban.  

Utah lawmakers say that there is no consent to having fluoride in water and that's what they are aiming to do with the fluoride ban; get consent.  

However, if Canada’s results are anything to go by, the implication will be worse on young children who will suffer from more severe cavities with the fluoride ban in place.