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Florida Fluoride Ban – What It Means for Your Smile in Orlando

On July 1, 2025, a new law went into effect banning the addition of fluoride to municipal water supplies across Florida, including in Orlando. This change is stirring up concern among dental professionals, public health advocates, and families throughout the state. For decades, fluoride has been a key part of preventing tooth decay and maintaining public oral health.

At Orlando Healthy Smiles, we believe it’s important that our patients understand what this change means and how to protect their dental health moving forward.

The Role of Fluoride in Oral Health

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Since the 1940s, adding fluoride to public drinking water has significantly reduced dental decay in communities across the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water fluoridation has been one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century.

When fluoride is present in drinking water, it continuously bathes the teeth, helping to remineralize enamel and reverse early signs of decay. It is especially beneficial for children, as it helps in the development of strong, healthy permanent teeth.

What the Ban Means for Orlando Residents

Now that fluoride is no longer added to Orlando’s public water supply, residents will lose a key preventive tool in their daily lives. This change may lead to:

• Increased risk of cavities and tooth decay, especially among children and seniors.
• Greater oral health disparities for low-income families who may not have access to regular dental care.
• Higher long-term dental care costs due to more restorative treatments being needed.
• A heavier reliance on in-office preventive treatments and at-home fluoride products.

Many dentists in Orlando and throughout Florida are preparing for an uptick in dental issues related to this change, particularly in communities that have relied on fluoridated water for decades.

How to Protect Your Teeth Without Fluoridated Water

Although the public water supply no longer contains fluoride, there are several ways individuals and families can continue to protect their dental health:

1. Use fluoride toothpaste
   Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste remains one of the best ways to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
2. Try fluoride mouth rinses
   Over-the-counter fluoride rinses can help provide additional protection, particularly for children, seniors, or anyone with a history of tooth decay.
3. Schedule in-office fluoride treatments
   Professional fluoride applications during dental visits offer a highly concentrated dose to protect teeth, especially after cleanings or during orthodontic treatment.
4. Maintain a healthy diet
   Limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages helps reduce the risk of decay and supports overall oral health.
5. Visit your dentist regularly
   Routine cleanings and exams allow for early detection of dental issues and timely preventive care.

What We’re Doing at Orlando Healthy Smiles

Our team at Orlando Healthy Smiles is committed to ensuring our patients remain protected despite the fluoride ban. We’re offering:

• Affordable fluoride varnish treatments for children and adults.
• Education on at-home fluoride alternatives and dental hygiene best practices.
• Preventive care plans tailored to the needs of each patient.
• Community outreach and school programs focused on cavity prevention.

Final Thoughts

While the fluoride ban presents new challenges, it also highlights the importance of personalized dental care and informed oral health decisions. At Orlando Healthy Smiles, we are here to support you and your family with preventive services, fluoride guidance, and the latest tools to maintain strong, healthy smiles.

Schedule your next visit with us today and learn how we can help you stay cavity-free—even without fluoride in your tap water.

We’re Here to Guide You

As oral care advances, our goal at Orlando Healthy Smiles is to bring you the latest science-backed solutions.

Want to learn more about these new products or improve your hygiene routine?

Call us at 407-790-4181 or visit www.orlandohealthysmiles.com