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Why Is Miami-Dade Removing Fluoride from Water Systems and What’s the Best Alternative?

Updated: Jun 9


Photo by diego_torres, Pixabay


Miami-Dade County made headlines when its commissioners voted 8–2 on April 1, 2025, to remove fluoride from the public water supply.


Led by Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, who called fluoride a neurotoxin, the decision sparked intense debate across South Florida. Supporters say residents should have the freedom to choose what goes into their drinking water due to health concerns.


However, public health officials, including Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, quickly pushed back and vetoed the resolution on April 11. Experts emphasize that fluoride is safe and important for preventing tooth decay, especially in children and underserved communities.


This local debate reflects a wider trend, as Florida plans to ban fluoride in public water systems starting July 1, 2025.


As the transition unfolds, many Miami residents are searching for safer and effective alternatives for maintaining oral health. One standout option is nano-hydroxyapatite, a mineral found in NOBS Toothpaste Tablets, known for its proven ability to protect and repair enamel, without the risks linked to fluoride.


In this article, we'll learn more about the reasons behind Miami-Dade’s decision, the ongoing debate around fluoride safety, and why nano-hydroxyapatite is becoming a trusted alternative for many families looking for safe and effective oral care.


First, what is fluoride, and why is it added to water?


Fluoride is a natural mineral found in rocks, soil, and water that helps strengthen teeth by protecting them from decay.


It’s added to drinking water in small amounts because early research showed that communities with natural fluoride in their water had fewer cavities. This discovery led to the start of water fluoridation programs in the 1940s.


The idea was to improve dental health for everyone, just like how vitamins are added to food. When you drink fluoridated water, it mixes with your saliva and helps rebuild tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to acid.


That’s why fluoride is also found in many kinds of toothpaste and dental treatments. The amount added to water is kept at 0.7 parts per million to reduce tooth decay while minimizing the risk of side effects like dental fluorosis.


While it’s seen by some as a major public health success, others prefer fluoride-free options due to concerns about long-term exposure and the desire to avoid added chemicals in daily routines.


Why is Miami-Dade removing fluoride from its water supply?


Photo by Sharefaith, Pexels


Miami-Dade County is removing fluoride from its water supply due to growing safety concerns and political pressure.


Many residents and local officials, including Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo, have voiced worries about potential health risks, citing studies that link fluoride exposure to bone damage, neuropsychiatric risks, and lower IQ levels in children.


The Florida Surgeon General specifically advised against fluoridating public water because of these risks. Supporters of the removal argue that adding fluoride to water is a form of "forced medication" and that safer, alternative fluoride sources like toothpaste and dental treatments are available.


In April 2025, the County Commission voted 8–2 to stop water fluoridation, overriding a veto by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who warned this could harm oral health, especially in underserved communities. Despite expert concerns about a potential increase in cavities, the decision stands.


The legislation requires fluoride addition to cease within 30 days and calls for a public campaign promoting dental hygiene and alternative fluoride options.


Additionally, Florida lawmakers are pushing a statewide bill to block local governments from adding fluoride to drinking water, reflecting a broader shift in the state.


This trend highlights ongoing debates about the safety and necessity of community water fluoridation across Florida.


What are the health concerns behind the fluoride removal?


The health concerns behind Miami-Dade’s decision to remove fluoride from its water supply include potential risks from high fluoride concentrations.


For instance, excessive fluoride intake has been associated with dental fluorosis, marked by discoloration and damage to tooth enamel, and skeletal fluorosis, which can affect bones and joints.


In addition, the Florida Surgeon General has advised against community water fluoridation due to potential neuropsychiatric risks, especially for pregnant women and children. These concerns also extend to possible effects on the nervous and endocrine systems.


Additionally, some studies have linked prenatal fluoride exposure to lower IQ and cognitive issues in children, raising further concerns. Critics say adding fluoride to public water amounts to "forced medication," which raises ethical and safety questions.


As a safer alternative, nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) has gained attention for its role in preventive dental care. NHA can protect teeth without the potential risks linked to fluoride, making it an important option to consider.


While public health groups still support fluoride at recommended levels, these health concerns have sparked a growing movement to rethink its use in drinking water.


Are there toothpaste options that work just as well as fluoride?


Image courtesy of Biöm


Yes, there are fluoride-free toothpaste options that can be just as effective as traditional fluoride toothpaste.


One notable alternative is nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which has been shown to effectively prevent dental caries and promote enamel remineralization.


A clinical trial demonstrated that a fluoride-free HAP toothpaste was as effective as fluoride toothpaste in preventing cavities in adults.


As Miami-Dade residents look for safer oral care options, NOBS Toothpaste Tablets are emerging as a top choice. These tablets use nano-hydroxyapatite to help repair enamel, prevent cavities, and reduce sensitivity. They're also eco-friendly, travel-friendly, and don’t require any messy tubes.


For families adjusting to the new fluoride-free water system, switching to NOBS means you don’t have to compromise on dental protection. It's a modern solution backed by both nature and science.


Is nano hydroxyapatite as strong as fluoride?


Image courtesy of Biöm


Yes, nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) is considered a strong and effective alternative to fluoride, especially relevant now for Miami-Dade residents adjusting to a fluoride-free water system. As Miami-Dade removes fluoride from its public water supply due to health concerns and public pressure, many families are turning to fluoride-free oral care options. Among the most researched and promising alternatives is nano-hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that makes up 90% of tooth enamel.


Studies have shown that nHA toothpaste can promote enamel remineralization comparable to fluoride toothpaste, effectively preventing cavities and halting demineralization. In fact, research highlights nHA’s ability to penetrate and rebuild enamel more efficiently, especially in individuals with sensitive teeth or early signs of decay.


Unlike fluoride, which works primarily on the surface and can pose risks when over-consumed, nHA integrates into the enamel structure without toxicity, making it ideal for all ages including children and pregnant women.


For Miami-Dade residents who no longer receive fluoride through drinking water, nano-hydroxyapatite offers peace of mind by delivering similar protection without the health concerns that prompted the fluoride ban in the first place.


How do Miami-Dade residents benefit from nHA toothpaste?


Image courtesy of Biöm


Miami-Dade residents can benefit from nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste as a safe and effective alternative to fluoride-based products, especially in light of the county's recent decision to remove fluoride from its water supply.


Key Benefits of nHA Toothpaste:


  1. Enamel Remineralization: nHA has been shown to effectively remineralize tooth enamel, repairing early-stage cavities and strengthening teeth.


  2. Reduced Sensitivity: By sealing exposed dentin tubules, nHA can alleviate tooth sensitivity caused by hot, cold, or sweet stimuli.


  3. Natural Composition: As the primary mineral component of teeth, hydroxyapatite is biocompatible and non-toxic, making it suitable for individuals seeking fluoride-free options.


  4. Antibacterial Properties: nHA toothpaste can help reduce plaque buildup by inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria.


  5. Whitening Effect: Regular use of nHA toothpaste may gently whiten teeth by filling microcracks and smoothing the enamel surface.


For Miami-Dade residents transitioning away from fluoridated water, incorporating nHA toothpaste into daily oral hygiene routines can help maintain dental health without the potential risks associated with fluoride exposure.


Final Thoughts


When it comes to your smile, protection is more than just routine, it’s essential.


As Miami-Dade steps away from fluoridated water, finding a gentle yet effective way to care for your teeth matters more than ever. Nano-hydroxyapatite, the star ingredient in NOBS Toothpaste Tablets, offers a modern approach that naturally repairs enamel, reduces sensitivity, and defends against cavities without the concerns that come with fluoride.


It is simple, safe, and science-backed, making it perfect for families who want to keep their dental health strong. Just like a well-balanced meal supports your body, NOBS supports your smile with every brush. In a changing world, it is good to know there is an alternative that is as easy as it is effective.


For more information, visit: betterbiom.com


By ML staff. Content courtesy of Biöm.

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