Fluoride in our water
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More than 67% of Texans are served by fluoridated community water systems, per the latest CDC estimates. That's 4 percentage points more than the U.S. population.
Why it matters: Dental and public health experts have long favored adding fluoride to public water supplies to help prevent tooth decay.
- But fluoridation remains controversial among detractors who view it as the government making personal health choices.
The latest: Texas, where 105 public water systems adjust the fluoride level in drinking water, is investigating how toothpaste manufacturers market such products.
- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for an end to fluoridated water. Utah and Florida recently moved to ban fluoride in their water systems.
Follow the money: Texas officials say it costs 64 cents per person to fluoridate water for a year.
- The CDC says "optimally fluoridated water" saves $6.5 billion in dental treatment costs in the U.S. every year.
Zoom in: Dallas Water Utilities has added fluoride to its drinking water supply since 1966.
- The city has said the colorless liquid it uses is certified by the National Science Foundation and the American National Standards Institute for use in drinking water.
Reality check: People without easy access to fluoridated water can still get fluoride through other means such as fluoridated toothpaste.