New Jersey
New Jersey dentists call for fluoridated water as debate about the chemical continues
In the early 1900s, public health officials concluded discolored teeth among residents of Colorado Springs were caused by high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in the spring water. However, the residents also had lower rates of tooth decay. Health experts determined that adding low levels of fluoride to drinking water could prevent cavities with little side effects.
Towns and cities across the U.S. began fluoridating their water, following Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1945. In a few years, health officials documented a 60% reduction in tooth decay.
Since then, numerous studies have shown fluoride can reduce cavities because it strengthens enamel during the formation of teeth, and it can remineralize adult teeth.
Conspiracy theories about fluoride have been around since the beginning. However, the anti-fluoride movement was amplified in recent months as President Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services secretary nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called for removing fluoride from public drinking water. Kennedy has alleged the chemical can cause health problems such as bone cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders.
During his confirmation hearing this week, he referenced a recent study that found an association between fluoride and lowered I.Q. Researchers have cautioned none of the study’s analyses were conducted in the United States, where recommended fluoridation levels in drinking water are very low.
Exposure to high levels of the chemical could impact a person’s health, said Dr. Mary Beth Giacona, a professor of pediatric dentistry at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. However, she said there are no health effects associated with the very low levels of fluoride found in drinking water in the U.S.
“I think the evidence is there to say that at the levels that we are fluoridating our water supplies, it does not cause harm,” Giacona said.
Last year, another study linked fluoridated water during pregnancy and increased neurobehavioral problems in children. One of the study’s authors, Howard Hu, has since advocated for some policy changes, such as limiting fluoride exposure during pregnancy and the first year of a child’s life.
“As a precaution, I think women during pregnancy should try to limit their known exposures to sources of fluoride,” said Hu, a professor of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California,
Some opponents of fluoridated water believe toothpaste, mouth rinses and professional treatments are a safer alternative. However, dentists argue fluoridated water ensures everyone has access.
“There are large segments of our population that cannot afford to and don’t have access to other interventions,” Giacona said. “Whereas, if you fluoridate a community’s water supply, everybody, no matter what the household income is, no matter what race or religion or ethnicity they are, has access to this effective preventive measure.”
Velazquez expressed concern that warnings about fluoride in drinking water might also reduce the use of fluoridated dental products in New Jersey.
“They hear … someone’s telling [them] fluoride is not good, then they stop everything,” she said.
Velazquez encourages people to discuss best dental practices with their providers.
“There’s so many factors, and that’s not something that should just be Googled,” she said. “That should be something that each parent talks to their dentist about for that individual child.”
New Jersey
NJ Lottery Pick-3, Pick-4, Cash 5, Millionaire for Life winning numbers for Sunday, April 19
The New Jersey Lottery offers multiple draw games for people looking to strike it rich.
Here’s a look at April 19, 2026, results for each game:
Pick-3
Midday: 8-7-3, Fireball: 9
Evening: 5-0-8, Fireball: 0
Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick-4
Midday: 4-7-7-9, Fireball: 9
Evening: 5-9-7-8, Fireball: 0
Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Jersey Cash 5
20-25-35-38-45, Xtra: 35
Check Jersey Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
32-42-52-53-55, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Quick Draw
Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.
Cash Pop
Drawings are held every four minutes. Check winning numbers here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the New Jersey Lottery drawings held?
- Pick-3: 12:59 p.m. and 10:57 p.m. daily.
- Pick-4: 12:59 p.m. and 10:57 p.m. daily.
- Jersey Cash 5: 10:57 p.m. daily.
- Pick-6: 10:57 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a New Jersey Sr Breaking News Editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Is there anything better than going out for breakfast? I mean, sure, you can make bacon, eggs, and toast at home, but there’s just something relaxing about going out to a Jersey Diner and getting your coffee in a plain white mug, looking over a massive menu, and feeling the back of your legs stick to the pleather booth.
Jersey loves a good breakfast spot.
A New Breakfast Chain Is Coming To NJ, With 2 Locations Planned
And there’s a new breakfast chain getting ready to open two locations in New Jersey that promise an elevated breakfast experience, which could be perfect for your next brunch.
And this new elevated breakfast concept is being run by a mother-son duo, who don’t love seeing that?
The Maple House Is Coming Soon To New Jersey
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According to NJ.com, Monmouth County natives Anthony DeGrande and his mother, Lisa Dalton, are the brains behind Monmouth County’s newest breakfast place, The Maple House.
The Maple House will specialize in an elevated breakfast experience, whipping up menu items such as cookie butter pancakes, a braised short rib melt, and addictive salads. The Maple House will be a great new addition to the New Jersey breakfast scene.
The Maple House Is Planning 2 NJ Locations
The Maple House already has big expansion plans, too. The first location is getting ready to open sometime in May off Oceanport Avenue in Fort Monmouth, but there are already plans in place for a second location.
The Maple House also plans on debuting in Neptune, off of South Main Street, in the near future as well.
18 Best Places In New Jersey To Get A Pork Roll Egg And Cheese Sandwich
It’s called Pork Roll, first off, and these are the 18 best restaurants and delis. and diners to get a PEC in the Garden State
Gallery Credit: Buehler
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) — One person was killed and three others were injured in a shooting in Paterson.
The violence erupted around 6:30 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of East 29th Street and 10th Avenue.
Children nearby gasped in horror at the sound of rapid gunfire. They were just about to sing Happy Birthday to their 13-year-old friend at her backyard party, but instead of blowing out the candles, they ducked for cover when they heard gunshots in the distance.
“Just hearing it – it was scary to witness, to hear. Especially on my birthday. Like a time I’m trying to play with my friends, get together,” said the 13-year-old.
She also says she had a friend who was there who saw what happened.
“He was going to the bodega – he went running back, but he had saw two people come out of a car and then shoot, but it was like an automatic gun,” she added.
Bystanders watched in shock and panic as first responders treated the victims. One of them was lying in the street next to a car and another was on the ground next to a bicycle.
Local councilman Luis Velez says the City of Paterson has taken measures to reduce crime in this part of town – what he calls a ‘hotspot’ — in part by installing security cameras. He is encouraging the community to cooperate.
“Paterson Police is doing their job as I know, they’re doing a great job to reduce crime, but one again we, the police, nobody, not even the news media has a crystal ball to say this is going to happen now,” Velez said, “Some people see corners getting built up, they see activities and they’re afraid to come out and say something, but our police department is trained to keep it confidential and approach to bring the quality of life in this area.”
The 13-year-old hopes her next birthday party is not ruined by the sound of gunshots.
“First we thought it was fireworks, but then we heard sirens and everyone started going home because they were scared,” she added.
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