#Fluoride

Some U.S. water systems are cutting back on fluoride because of a key chemical is in short supply. Israel is one of its main producers.

Birmingham’s water utility said previous leaders had stopped fluoridating the drinking water at three of its four plants without telling the public. Now, it’s making the change permanent.

If five states ban fluoride in drinking water, 132,572 additional children would need a cavity filled or a tooth pulled.

Dentists, hygienists, and researchers say a shortage of rural dental care professionals and worsening oral hygiene since the COVID-19 pandemic mean more kids are ending up in the emergency room for tooth decay.