DeForest, WI Votes to Remove Fluoride from Drinking Water – What It Means for the Community

Fluoride in drinking water has long been a contentious issue in communities across the United States. On February 5, 2025, the DeForest Village Board voted 4-3 to remove fluoride from the municipal water supply, making DeForest one of the latest Wisconsin communities to take such action. The decision has sparked heated debate among residents, health professionals, and public policy experts.

Supporters of the move see it as a victory for personal choice and safety, while opponents warn of potential negative impacts on public health, particularly dental health. Additionally, new research, including a recent National Toxicology Program (NTP) report, has added complexity to the debate by examining possible links between fluoride exposure and cognitive development in children.

This article explores the key arguments for and against water fluoridation, the science behind fluoride’s effects, and what this decision means for DeForest residents moving forward.

The Decision: Why Did DeForest Remove Fluoride?

On February 5, 2025, the DeForest Village Board narrowly voted 4-3 to discontinue water fluoridation (Source: Channel 3000).

Arguments for Removing Fluoride:

1. Health and Safety Concerns

   • Some residents and officials expressed concern about potential health risks associated with fluoride exposure.
   • Studies have suggested that high levels of fluoride may contribute to thyroid issues, skeletal fluorosis, and possible neurodevelopmental effects in children.

2. Ethical and Personal Choice

   • Many residents believe fluoride should be an individual choice rather than a government-mandated public health measure.
   • Fluoride is already widely available in toothpaste and mouthwash, allowing those who want it to choose their level of exposure.

3. Cost and Infrastructure Considerations

   • Water fluoridation requires funding and infrastructure maintenance.
   • Some officials argue that these resources could be better allocated elsewhere.

Arguments Against Removing Fluoride:

1. Public Health and Dental Benefits

   • Fluoride has been shown to significantly reduce cavities and tooth decay, especially in children and low-income communities.
   • The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly support community water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure.

2. Scientific Consensus Supports Fluoridation

   • The World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, and ADA all consider fluoride levels below 0.7 mg/L to be safe and beneficial.
   • The CDC has labeled water fluoridation as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

3. Risk of Increased Dental Issues

   • Removing fluoride could lead to an increase in dental cavities, especially among children and lower-income families who may not have access to fluoride-based dental care.
   • Some local dentists have warned of potential long-term consequences of this decision.

Scientific Perspective: What the Research Says

National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on Fluoride & Neurodevelopment

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) recently released a comprehensive report titled "Fluoride Exposure: Neurodevelopment and Cognition" (Source: NTP). The report reviewed existing scientific studies to assess whether fluoride exposure may affect brain development and IQ levels in children.

Key Findings from the NTP Report:

• High Fluoride Exposure & IQ Reduction:

  • The report found moderate evidence that drinking water above 1.5 mg/L of fluoride was linked to lower IQ scores in children.
  • Most of the studies supporting this finding were conducted in countries with significantly higher fluoride levels than those used in U.S. municipal water systems.

• Uncertainty at U.S. Fluoridation Levels (0.7 mg/L):

  • The NTP stated that there was not enough evidence to determine whether fluoride at the standard U.S. level (0.7 mg/L) has any effect on children’s IQ.

• No Cognitive Effects in Adults:

  • The NTP found no evidence that fluoride exposure impacts adult brain function.

What This Means for DeForest:

The report does not conclude that fluoride at typical U.S. water levels is harmful but does raise concerns about high exposure levels. This scientific uncertainty may have influenced DeForest officials to err on the side of caution and discontinue fluoridation.

What Happens Next? Impact on DeForest Residents

With fluoride now removed from DeForest’s water supply, residents will need to take alternative steps to maintain good oral health:

1. Use Fluoride Toothpaste – Most commercial toothpaste brands contain fluoride, which remains an effective way to prevent cavities. The 14 Best Toothpastes for Clean, Healthy Teeth
2. Ask Your Dentist About Fluoride Treatments – Many dentists offer fluoride varnishes and treatments for both children and adults. 
3. Consider Fluoride Supplements – Those concerned about their fluoride intake can speak with a healthcare provider about potential supplements. Flouride: Tropical and Systemic Supplements
4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are more important than ever.

A Divided Community: What Do Residents Think?

Supporters of the Removal Say:

• "It should be our choice, not the government’s."
• "If fluoride is so beneficial, people can get it from toothpaste."
• "I don’t want my children drinking fluoride every day without my consent."

Opponents of the Removal Say:

• "This will hurt lower-income families who may not have access to fluoride-based dental care."
• "Fluoridated water helps prevent tooth decay—it’s a proven science."
• "This decision was made without enough public input."

The divide in public opinion reflects a larger national debate over water fluoridation, public health policy, and individual choice.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Decision?

The DeForest Village Board’s 4-3 vote to remove fluoride underscores a fundamental question:
Should public health measures be based on personal choice, or should communities follow long-standing scientific recommendations?

• Those in favor of fluoride removal see this as a step toward greater personal freedom and a response to emerging scientific concerns.
• Those against it argue that DeForest is rejecting a scientifically backed public health measure that has protected communities from tooth decay for decades.

One thing is certain: This decision will have long-term implications, and residents will need to stay informed and proactive about their dental health.

What Do You Think?

Should DeForest have removed fluoride from its drinking water?

• Share your thoughts in the comments!

For More Information:

📖 NTP Fluoride Report
📖 Channel 3000: DeForest Board Vote