More Florida cities have begun weighing the continuation of water fluoridation after the state's surgeon general advised against the practice.
Seven notes:
1. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, MD, PhD, recommended against community water fluoridation last month due to the potential neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure. He also noted the wide availability of existing alternative sources of fluoride, including toothpaste, mouthwashes and fluoride applications.
2. Dr. Ladapo's comments follow nationwide debate about the effectiveness of water fluoridation and hints about the potential end of this practice at the federal level.
3. Alison Faris, a spokesperson for the city of Tallahassee, said leaders are not aware of any official proposals to end water fluoridation in their city, the Tallahassee Democrat reported Dec. 3.
4. City Commissioners Curtis Richardson and Dianne Williams-Cox told the Tallahassee Democrat that they would bring the topic up to the city manager, and that the topic may be discussed during the commission's next meeting Dec. 11.
5. Several Florida city commissions have recently voted to end water fluoridation, including Winter Haven and Stuart. City council members in Tavares, Fla., plan to discuss removing fluoride from the city’s drinking water during their Dec. 4 meeting.
6. Leaders in Bartow, Fla., have also discussed discontinuing water fluoridation, but a final decision has not been made, baynews9.com reported Dec. 2.
7. The Florida Dental Association voiced its support for water fluoridation Nov. 25, stating that the surgeon general's comments are "based on flawed and unscientific reports."