As opposition to fluoride grows, rural America risks a new surge of tooth decay

Summary

Rural America faces rising tooth decay as anti-fluoride sentiment grows and dentist shortages persist.

Nearly 25 million Americans live in "dental deserts," while about 230 counties lack both dentists and fluoridated water.

Anti-fluoride momentum surged after a controversial report linked high fluoride levels to lower IQ, leading to fluoride bans and cuts in Medicaid funding.

Experts warn that cutting fluoride and Medicaid could drastically worsen dental decay, especially among low-income children.