MADISON, Wis. (WRN / WJMC) — As communities across Wisconsin debate whether to remove it, experts stress the importance of fluoride in drinking water.
“Fluoride in toothpaste, that’s kind of like a seatbelt. It’s one really great way of staying safe in the car, but then having community water fluoridation is like having the airbag, so you’re getting the best of both worlds,” said Wisconsin Dental Association President Dr. Tom Reid. “You’re really staying safe at both ends of the spectrum.”
78% of Wisconsin communities have stopped adding fluoride to drinking water, with about 38% having done so since 2020.
The city of Ladysmith has a referendum question on April 1, asking voters if the city should discontinue adding fluoride to the public water supply.