With Few Dentists and Fluoride Under Siege, Rural America Risks New Surge of Tooth Decay - KFF Health News

Fluoride is widely viewed among dentists as one of the most effective tools to prevent tooth decay.

The anti-fluoride movement has been energized since a government report last summer found a possible link between lower IQ in children and consuming higher amounts of fluoride that are higher than what is recommended in American drinking water.

Nearly 25 million Americans live in areas without enough dentists, according to a recent study from Harvard University .

Fluoride was first added to public water in an American city in 1945 and spread to half of the U.S. population by 1980 .

In 1999 the CDC dubbed fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century .

Polls show that the largest share of Americans support fluoridation, but a sizable minority does not.

At least 14 states so far this year have considered or are considering bills that would lift fluoride mandates or prohibit fluoride in drinking water.

At least 16 communities in Florida with a combined population of more than 1.6 million have decided to stop fluoridation in the past six months .

A federal judge in California said the possible link between fluoride and lowered IQ was too risky to ignore.