The decision to remove fluoride from the water negatively affects Utahns, especially children and those of lower sociological status.
Fluoride has been added to Utah’s water since the 1960s to help prevent cavities and tooth decay and to help strengthen teeth. It has been repeatedly proven to be a beneficial policy.
Taking fluoride out of our water increases the risk for tooth decay, cavities and other oral issues.
Immigrants and refugees who call Utah home, many of whom are struggling to meet basic needs, are now going to struggle with yet another health challenge.
For many of us, this policy change is an inconvenience; we will need to be more mindful of different products and ways to protect our oral health. Thankfully, we have time and resources to deal with this challenge. However, for those without time and resources, this is an unnecessary burden to add to their already burdened shoulders — if they even know this decision was made. Others won’t even know this is a policy until they notice a decline in health.
This is not a decision based on science. Rather, it was made out of a combination of conspiracy theories and political hysteria.
Mikayla Morse
Taylorsville