LOS ANGELES — Inside her West Los Angeles practice, pediatric dentist Dr. Reem Kabbarah said enamel health is crucial to a child’s well-being.
Kabbarah explained that topical fluoride helps create stronger teeth and reduces the risk of cavities.
“Some people choose to use it, others don’t,” she said. “But the effect is topical. It will create a more resilient tooth structure.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly two-thirds of Americans receive fluoridated water through public water systems.
But now, the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that may change. He announced he plans to direct the CDC to stop recommending fluoridation, citing a lack of systemic benefit.
“Now we know that there is no systemic advantage — zero systemic advantage — and that the only advantage comes from topical application,” Kennedy said.
In March, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride from its public drinking water. The move has drawn praise from critics and concern from public health leaders.
According to the LA County Department of Public Health, about 62% of residents in LA County currently have access to optimally fluoridated water.
Dr. Rita Chen, program director of the county’s Oral Health Program, said community water fluoridation remains a vital and cost-effective measure.
“CDC, American Dental Association, American Medical Association, and California Dental Association, they are all in support of water fluoridation,” Chen said. “CDC had to conduct study showed that with every dollar that invested in the water fluoridation, it can save about $20 to $38 off dental treatment.”
Back at her dental office, Kabbarah — who is also a mother — said oral health is not one-size-fits-all.
“We’re all about balance. We’re all about well-being,” she said. “There are always alternatives. It’s about finding the right match.”
As scientific research and state policies evolve, the fluoride debate continues — with health officials, families and lawmakers weighing in on what’s best for public health.
Original article online at: https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california/health/2025/04/17/flouride-los-angeles-community-water