Dr. Michelle Jorgensen

March 28, 2025

As a holistic dentist, I’ve spent decades digging into the science (and politics) of dental health. So when I saw that Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, I wasn’t surprised—I was relieved.

This wasn’t just another piece of legislation buried in bureaucracy. It was a bold move that challenges decades of conventional thinking about water fluoridation. And for those of us who’ve been raising concerns for years, it feels like the beginning of a much-needed conversation.

In this article, I’ll break down what happened, why it matters, and how you can protect your oral health—naturally.

In March 2025, Governor Spencer Cox signed legislation making Utah the first state to ban fluoride from all community water systems. That’s right—no more fluoridated water in Salt Lake City or anywhere else in the state.

According to the Governor, the decision boiled down to this: putting fluoride into public water systems without consent is a form of mass medication. And he’s not wrong.

The new law overrides local governments and centralizes the decision at the state level. It’s a direct response to growing public concern and part of a wider trend—other states like Montana and Tennessee are already considering similar anti-fluoride legislation.

That’s the line we’ve heard for decades.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) once called community water fluoridation one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Organizations like the American Dental Association still insist that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and lowers rates of dental decay, especially in children.

But here’s the truth most public health groups don’t like to discuss: the science isn’t as settled as they claim.

We now know that excess fluoride exposure can lead to dental fluorosis, bone weakening, and even neurological effects in children. The risk is especially high when fluoride is consumed through water, toothpaste, food, and fluoride supplements—all at once.

I stopped recommending fluoride toothpaste and treatments in my practice years ago.

Why? Because I couldn’t ignore the growing body of research linking fluoride to health risks, especially when drinking water is the delivery method.

Fluoride is not an essential nutrient. And unlike a prescription drug, there’s no way to control the dose when it’s coming through your tap. Young children are especially vulnerable because they’re more likely to swallow toothpaste or drink more water per pound of body weight.

In my view, if we’re going to prescribe fluoride supplements, it should be done with informed consent—not slipped into every glass of water without a second thought.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need fluoride to have healthy teeth.

You can prevent tooth decay and support strong enamel using a combination of:

• A mineral-rich, low-sugar diet

• Consistent brushing and flossing

• Avoiding acidic foods and drinks

• Fluoride-free oral care products that support remineralization

At my practice and through our store, I’ve helped thousands of patients make the transition to fluoride-free dental care with incredible results.