The Recent Decision and Dr. Mars’ Statement
On April 1, 2025, Miami-Dade commissioners voted to remove fluoride from the county’s water supply following legislation sponsored by Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who strongly supported the removal, claimed that fluoride could lead to developmental issues in children and potentially harm babies in the womb. However, many dental professionals disagree with this assessment.
Dr. Rick Mars of The Dental Care Group offered a counter perspective when asked by NBC 6, stating: “I trust the science. I follow the science community. And we should always follow the science. We shouldn’t follow a politician coming out, making a lot of noise about it because there has not been a direct correlation with a scientific study where the data makes sense.”
What Miami-Dade Patients Need to Know About the Future of Fluoride
In a significant decision that impacts public health, Miami-Dade County commissioners recently voted to stop adding fluoride to the county’s drinking water. This change reverses a public health measure that has been in place since 1958, raising important questions about dental health for residents across the county.
Our team at The Dental Care Group is ready to address your concerns and develop a plan that works for you and your family. Call our Aventura, FL, dental office at 305-935-2797, Pembroke Pines, FL, office at 954-430-2300, or Fort Lauderdale, FL, office at 954-963-3706 to schedule your appointment.
The Facts About Fluoride and Dental Health
Fluoride has been added to public water supplies across the United States for decades as a preventive measure against tooth decay. The practice has been widely regarded as one of the most successful public health initiatives for improving dental health across populations.
Miami-Dade County has maintained fluoride levels between 0.6 to 0.8 parts per million in drinking water, well below the EPA’s maximum allowance of four parts per million. These carefully controlled levels have helped prevent cavities while maintaining safety standards.
Water fluoridation provides dental benefits to all residents regardless of age, income, or access to dental care. This broad-reaching approach has historically helped reduce dental health disparities among different communities.
Potential Risks of Fluoride Overexposure
While appropriate fluoride levels provide dental benefits, excessive fluoride intake can lead to several health concerns. Dental fluorosis, characterized by white spots or streaks on teeth, is the most common side effect of overexposure during tooth development in children.
In rare cases of significant overexposure, skeletal fluorosis can occur, affecting bone density and joint flexibility. This condition typically only develops after long-term consumption of water with naturally occurring fluoride at levels much higher than those used in public water systems. The balance that Miami-Dade County has maintained for over 60 years has generally been considered safe and effective by most dental health organizations.
The Dental Care Group’s Commitment to Your Oral Health
At The Dental Care Group, we understand that changes to public health measures like water fluoridation may raise concerns about maintaining good oral health. Our dental professionals are prepared to help you navigate these changes with personalized advice and treatment plans.
Our team stays current with the latest dental research and can offer appropriate fluoride treatments during regular dental check-ups to help prevent tooth decay. We can also provide guidance on fluoride toothpaste and other products that might become more important without fluoridated water.
Prevention is Key, Trust The Dental Care Group
Prevention has always been the cornerstone of good dental health. With this change in our water supply, preventive care becomes even more critical. The Dental Care Group offers comprehensive preventive dentistry services in South Florida, including professional dental cleanings, examinations, and periodontal treatment.
We recommend scheduling regular dental check-ups every six months to maintain optimal oral health. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our caring dental staff at any of our three convenient locations—Aventura (305-935-2797), Pembroke Pines (954-430-2300), or Fort Lauderdale (954-963-3706)—to book your next preventive care appointment.
As Miami-Dade County moves forward with this significant change to our water system, The Dental Care Group remains committed to providing the highest quality dental care and helping our community maintain healthy smiles for years.