Fluoride supplements advised after Utah bans mineral in public water

• 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.

• Dental providers recommend them for children ages 6 months to 16 years "who live in areas where there isn't enough fluoride in the water to adequately protect their teeth," per DHHS, and some adults.