fluoride

The measure passed by an 8-2 vote, but County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava could opt to veto the measure in the next 10 days.

Many rural counties are short on dentists, and if they lose water fluoridation, tooth decay could surge to levels that have not been seen in decades, experts warn.

The office of County Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, who is also sponsoring the bill, said the measure will come back up at a meeting next month.

When roll call was taken, commissioners Leo Longworth, Gary Ball and Laura Simpson decided to stick with fluoride. Tanya Tucker and Mayor Trish Burdin-Pfeiffer voted no.

A subcommittee advanced a package dubbed the "Florida Farm Bill." Targets include "any additive" to water "for health-related purposes” and labeling of plant-based food as meat, milk, poultry and egg.

While some politicians say fluoridated water is government overreach, medical experts say it's important and effective for the public.

The county's safety and health committee took no action on fluoridation after the surgeon general's presentation to convince members to end the practice.

It isn’t always covered by insurance, so people should consider whether they are at risk for cavities, whether the pros of the treatment outweigh the cons and whether they want to spend the money.

Data from the CDC shows 31 utilities in Florida had annual average fluoride levels that were approximately half the CDC’s recommended level or less for at least a year.

The measure, introduced in the state House, includes numerous issues related to the state Department of Agriculture. Many local governments have ended fluoridation in recent months.