The Oklahoman: Removing fluoride from water could cost Oklahomans $500M in dental care, report says

A few months ago, Oklahoma officials removed the state’s recommendation for fluoride in drinking water as part of the "Make Oklahoma Healthy Again" campaign, which was announced alongside the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. But according to a recent report, ending community water fluoridation could come with a hefty cost. 

Data from the American Dental Association estimates a nearly $507 million price tag over five years in dental care costs for Oklahomans if fluoride were removed from community water systems. Around 57% of the state has fluoride exposure due to community water systems, according to the report. 

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in almost all water supplies, and many communities add small amounts to their water to prevent cavities and promote oral health, per the CDC. The federal agency notes that fluoridated water reduces cavities by about 25% in both children and adults.

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