Miami-Dade Commissioner Invites Ladapo to Testify in Push to End Water Fluoridation
Commissioner Gonzalez Seeks to End Widespread Health Practice
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez is putting on the full court press to add Miami-Dade to the growing list of Florida municipalities and local governments that have stopped adding fluoride to its water supply. On Wednesday, Gonzalez announced on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that he has invited Florida Surgeon General and staunch anti-fluoride believer Joseph Ladapo to testify before the county Safety and Health Committee about community fluoridation in hopes of convincing the county to end the widely-accepted health practice.
Ladapo’s Anti-Fluoride Views Spark Controversy
As a leading opponent of water fluoridation, Ladapo has made it clear that he believes the practice is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful. His views have sparked controversy and concern among public health professionals and advocates for the practice, who point to the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the benefits of community water fluoridation in preventing tooth decay and improving oral health.
Water Fluoridation: A Proven Public Health Tool
For decades, community water fluoridation has been a cornerstone of public health policy, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) both strongly advocating for its use. The practice is based on the simple principle that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acid and remineralizing tooth enamel.
What’s at Stake
If the Miami-Dade County Commission were to follow through on Gonzalez’s proposal, it would mark a significant departure from the county’s current policy and could have far-reaching implications for public health in the region. While some have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with water fluoridation, the vast majority of scientific evidence suggests that the benefits far outweigh any potential risks.
FAQs
* What is community water fluoridation?
+ Community water fluoridation is the practice of adding fluoride to a community’s water supply to help prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.
* What are the benefits of community water fluoridation?
+ The benefits of community water fluoridation include a significant reduction in tooth decay, improved oral health, and a reduced need for fillings and other restorative treatments.
* What is the controversy surrounding water fluoridation?
+ Some opponents of water fluoridation, like Ladapo, argue that the practice is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful, citing concerns about potential side effects and the lack of adequate scientific evidence supporting its use.
