Fluoride: The Secret Agent In Your Toothpaste And Tap Water

Fluoride is a naturally occurring compound that can be added to water supplies to prevent cavities and other dental problems. It has been widely used in communities worldwide for over 70 years. The composition of fluoride is a compound made up of fluorine and oxygen, with the chemical formula F- and O2. F.

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As cities and counties across the state debate the issue, the Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that would prevent local governments from adding fluoride to water supplies .

The proposed ban, included in a broad bill dealing with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, comes after decades of communities adding fluoride to water to help prevent cavities and other dental problems.

But with people such as state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo arguing fluoridation can carry other health risks, many communities have reconsidered the practice. The bill does not specifically mention fluoridation, but it would prevent adding substances to public water supplies that are not about "water quality."

"We're here to hydrate, not medicate," bill sponsor Keith Truenow, R-Tavares, said before the Senate voted 27-9 to pass the measure (SB 700) on Wednesday.

"This has been proven science for the last 50 years," Polsky said. "This is why we have healthy teeth."