- February 10, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
In a bold and commendable move, the Ormond Beach City Commission has unanimously voted to discontinue the addition of fluoride to the city's water supply. This decision reflects a growing awareness of the evolving science surrounding fluoride’s efficacy and its potential risks.
By taking this step, Ormond Beach joins other Florida cities such as Melbourne, Naples, Tavares, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie, as well as numerous communities across the nation that are prioritizing public choice and health over outdated policy.
For decades, fluoride has been added to municipal water supplies under the premise that it aids in the prevention of tooth decay. However, recent analyses — including a review of 157 studies by the Cochrane Library — have shown that fluoridation’s effectiveness has diminished significantly since its introduction in 1945. Advances in dental care, improved hygiene practices, and the widespread availability of fluoridated toothpaste have rendered mass fluoridation increasingly unnecessary. Additionally, concerns over potential adverse health effects, such as fluorosis, thyroid dysfunction, and neurological impacts, have led to calls for a reevaluation of this long-standing practice.
The decision by the Ormond Beach City Commission, which was spearheaded by Commissioner Travis Sargent, aligns with the guidance issued by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who in November advised water suppliers to discontinue fluoride use. Ladapo’s position reflects a growing body of research suggesting that the risks of fluoride exposure may outweigh its benefits, especially when alternative dental health measures are widely available.
One of the most significant aspects of this decision is that it empowers residents with personal choice. Fluoridation is a form of mass medication, and while proponents argue for its benefits, individuals should have the right to decide whether they consume fluoride. By removing it from the public water supply, Ormond Beach allows citizens to make their own health decisions, whether that means using fluoridated toothpaste, mouthwash, or seeking dental treatments tailored to their needs. This respects both personal autonomy and medical ethics, which emphasize informed consent.
Critics may argue that this decision runs counter to public health recommendations, but the reality is that public health is not one-size-fits-all. The presence of fluoride in water is no longer the necessity it was once thought to be, particularly in a modern society where dental care is more advanced and accessible. The move to discontinue fluoridation is not a rejection of science, but rather an embrace of updated research and an acknowledgment that health policies must evolve with new findings.
The entire Ormond Beach City Commission deserves praise for prioritizing the well-being and bodily autonomy of its residents. Their unanimous decision signals a forward-thinking approach to governance, one that values scientific inquiry, personal choice, and responsible policymaking. As more communities reevaluate their stance on fluoridation, Ormond Beach stands as a leader in ensuring that public health measures reflect both the latest science and the liberty of the people they serve.
Duncan S. DeMarsh is a staffer for the Florida Legislature. He is a Florida Army National Guard officer and worked as Volusia County's field organizer for Gov. Ron DeSantis' reelection campaign in 2022.
