SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah has become the first state to ban <a href="https://apnews.com/article/fluoride-ruling-drinking-water-ccdfa11138600ab0838ebf979cbaead2">fluoride in public drinking water</a>, despite widespread opposition from dentists and national health organizations.

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox signed legislation late Thursday that bars cities and communities from deciding whether to add the mineral to their water systems.

Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/prevention/about-fluoride.html">replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear</a>, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Utah lawmakers who pushed for a ban said putting fluoride in water was too expensive.

Originally Published: <time datetime="2025-03-28 10:33:12">March 28, 2025 at 10:33 AM EDT</time>

Gov. Spencer Cox signed legislation that bars cities and communities from deciding whether to add fluoride to their water systems.{ai:summary}<p>Utah has enacted a law banning fluoride in public drinking water, becoming the first state to do so. The legislation, signed by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, prohibits local governments from adding fluoride, despite opposition from health experts who cite its benefits for dental health.</p><p>Lawmakers supporting the ban argue that the cost of adding fluoride to water systems is too high. The decision has drawn criticism from dentists and national health organizations that advocate for fluoride's role in preventing cavities. #health</p>

Utah becomes the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water

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