MADISON, Ala. — The city of Madison, Alabama is on the brink of discontinuing the fluoridation of its public water supply, a decision that has sparked intense debate among residents and officials. A recent public meeting was filled with passionate speakers discussing the safety and benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water.
One attendee emphasized the importance of scientific evidence, saying, “I would like us to follow the science, it’s been in the water 70 years and I’ve never seen a negative result.” Others argued against fluoridation, with Margi Daly stating, “You’re overdosing people. It’s naturally in water in the water.”
Madison is set to cease fluoridation on June 16 unless the water board reverses its decision, following criticism that the public was not consulted. Other Alabama cities, including Orange Beach, Sylacauga, Childersburg, and Abbeville, have already stopped fluoridating their water.
Sylacauga utility manager David Green explained that the decision in his city followed a public hearing and council approval. Similarly, Childersburg’s water managers held public hearings before making their decision which was approved by the city council.
Dr. Tommy Johnson, the state dental director for public health, highlighted the benefits of fluoridation, noting its role in reducing tooth decay, especially in areas with limited access to dental care. “We have counties that don’t have dental offices or dentists,” he said, adding that dental decay is the most chronic disease in childhood.
Local dentists are now fielding questions from patients about the safety of fluoride. Dr. Chris Swicord pointed out the benefits of fluoride when applied topically, saying it makes teeth “ten times stronger, resisting cavities.”
Fluoridation of public water supplies began 78 years ago in Michigan. Dr. Johnson noted that some Alabama water systems naturally have sufficient fluoride levels and do not need additional fluoridation. “I’m not saying there’s not something good or better that’s great but don’t take away what we have right now,” he said.
Florida and Utah have become the first states to ban fluoride in public water supplies.