Dentists testify on Nebraska bill taking aim at fluoride in water

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – For decades, fluoride has been added to drinking water—a process called fluoridation—to help combat tooth decay.

However, State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair has a bill in front of the Nebraska Legislature that would put a limit the amount of fluoride cities put in water to 0.7 milligrams per liter. It would also require cities and towns to pass ordinances during general elections to decide whether or not their water should be fluoridated.

The Health and Human Services Committee heard testimony on Hansen’s proposal Thursday.

Among those who spoke in favor of it were Austin, Texas-based dentist Dr. Griffin Cole, who said fluoridation should be an informed decision between a patient and practitioner, instead of being mandated.

“Most peer-reviewed research, and even the CDC, now acknowledge that any benefit from fluoride is derived through topical use—toothpaste, mouthwash and dental treatments.”

Hansen cited a recent review from the National Toxicology Program that states that 18 out of 19 studies with low risk of bias linked lower IQ to fluoride exposure.

Another dentist pushed back on that though.

Dr. Jessica meeske/pediatric dentist

“The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine conducted a peer review of the draft report that was mentioned earlier by the National Toxicology Program,” said Dr. Jessica Meeske, a Hastings-based pediatric dentist. “These national academies found that this report failed to make a clear and convincing argument to support its conclusions about the negative effects of fluoride.”

Critics of the bill also said it wouldn’t make much of a difference because they said the levels of fluoridation it would set are already being implemented across the state.

Other opponents said water fluoridation is a benefit for people who don’t have the money to afford topical dental treatments.

This bill must first make it out of committee before being debated on the floor.

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