Updated: Jul 31
As a practicing dentist and longtime advocate for public health, I’ve had many conversations over the years about fluoride—what it is, what it does, and whether we need it in our water. Recently, as some communities debate removing fluoride from their municipal water supply, more patients have been asking me: Should I be worried?
The short answer: Yes—especially for children and families without access to regular dental care.
Let’s start with the basics. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and certain foods. When used in the right amounts, it strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. That’s why, for more than 75 years, cities across the U.S. have added small, safe levels of fluoride to public water systems. The result? A dramatic drop in cavities across all age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named community water fluoridation one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. It’s affordable, equitable, and proven to reduce cavities by about 25% in children and adults alike.
So what happens if we remove it?
Without fluoride in our water, we lose a layer of protection—especially for the most vulnerable members of our community. Children with baby teeth, seniors on fixed incomes, and families without dental insurance are most at risk. Fluoride works not just by strengthening teeth before they erupt, but also topically—helping remineralize areas where decay is starting to form. Removing it creates a preventable gap in defense.
Opponents of fluoride often raise concerns about safety, but decades of peer-reviewed research and endorsements from major medical and dental organizations—including the American Dental Association, World Health Organization, and the U.S. Surgeon General—support its use at recommended levels. The amount used in drinking water is carefully monitored and far below any harmful threshold.
Now, I’m not suggesting fluoride is a substitute for brushing, flossing, or regular dental visits. But it is an important piece of the puzzle. Removing it means more cavities, more emergency dental visits, and more financial strain on families and our healthcare system. If your city is considering removing fluoride, I encourage you to ask the hard questions. What’s driving the decision? Is it based on science—or misinformation? And what will be done to replace that lost protection, especially for kids?
At our practices, we’re committed to prevention—and fluoride is part of that commitment. We offer in-office fluoride treatments and educate families about fluoride toothpaste and proper brushing habits. But community-wide solutions have the biggest impact.
So yes, you should be concerned. And you should also get involved. Attend local meetings. Talk to your dentist. Advocate for decisions rooted in science and public health—not fear.
Because every child deserves a healthy smile, and removing fluoride from our water puts that goal further out of reach.
Dr. Ivan Montijo is the co-founder and CEO of Stride Dental Group. He has offices in Lake Nona, Sanford, Orlando, and Debary. He believes prevention is the most powerful tool in dentistry and is passionate about community health education.