03-05-2025
Fluoride supplements advised after Utah bans mineral in public water
Utah health department officials are encouraging residents to "prevent tooth decay" by talking to their medical providers about fluoride supplements.
The big picture: The guidance, released Friday, comes after Utah became the first state in the U.S. to ban adding fluoride to public water systems.
The move was celebrated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy during his visit to Utah last month.
The ban takes effect May 7.
By the numbers: The law is expected to impact 1.6 million Utahns living in Salt Lake and Davis counties, including Brigham City, according to the news release.
What they're saying:"We recognize the benefits of fluoride to overall health," Stacey Swilling, the state dental director at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), said in a statement.
"While community water fluoridation will no longer be available, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing cavities."
Zoom in: Under the law, pharmacists are allowed to prescribe fluoride supplements to patients, in addition to doctors and dentists.
