At the end of February 2025, the Utah State Senate approved a bill that calls for the end of community water fluoridation. Their vote sent the bill to Gov. Spencer Cox’s desk for approval. On March 28, Gov. Cox signed the legislation, making Utah the first state in the country with fluoride-free public water sources. 

The bill also gives pharmacists the ability to prescribe fluoride, ensuring access to those who choose to use it. While it seems like a positive move among those who oppose water fluoridation, the move will surely make waves across the state. As Utahns prepare for this shift, it is important to understand how fluoride-free water may ultimately affect their oral health.

The Origins of Fluoride & Dental Health

Fluoride and research into its impact on oral health began in 1901, when recent dental school graduate Frederick McKay moved to Colorado Springs, CO. When he arrived, he found the city’s residents had permanent brown stains on their teeth. City natives blamed local milk, pork consumption, and calcium in their water, but McKay wasn’t so sure. 

In 1923, McKay went to Oakley, ID, where parents noticed these stains on their children’s teeth. They told him the stains began appearing after the city constructed a new water pipeline. McKay tested the water, but found no abnormalities. Still, he insisted they use a new water source, and within a few years, the staining stopped. 

His work continued, as staining appeared in towns across the U.S., including Bauxite, Ar. But once again, he found no abnormalities. It wasn’t until 1931 that H.V. Churchill used photospectographic analysis to examine the water, at which point he and his assistant found abnormally high fluoride levels. 

Community Fluoridation in the U.S.

Churchill’s team and Dr. H. Trendley Dean of the Dental Hygiene Unit at the National Institute of Health (NIH) began testing to determine how much fluoride led to fluorosis, the condition responsible for the brown staining. By the late 1930s, they determined fluoride levels at or below 1.0 ppm didn’t cause staining. 

Using McKay’s fluoride studies, Dean recalled that individuals experiencing fluorosis usually resisted tooth decay. He told his colleagues his hypothesis, and in 1944, they got to test the theory. After examining the research, the City Commission of Grand Rapids, MI, voted to add fluoride to its public water supply. 

Over 15 years, researchers monitored tooth decay rates among 30,000 schoolchildren across the city, and found that cavity development dropped 60%. By 1980, half of the U.S. received fluoridated water; by 2012, over 63% of the population had access to fluoridated public water sources. 

Why the Utah State Senate Voted to End Community Water Fluoridation

If the studies determined fluoride reduces tooth decay, why did the Utah State Senate vote in favor of fluoride-free drinking water? When pushing forward the bill, Utah lawmakers stated that community water fluoridation is far too expensive, and they wanted to save Utahns by cutting out this process. Rep. Stephanie Gricius acknowledged the mineral’s benefits but believed it was an individual choice to incorporate fluoride into one’s routine. 

When questioned in March, Gov. Cox explained that he and his family grew up in communities with fluoride-free water sources, and that the state hasn’t seen a drastic difference between fluoridated and fluoride-free communities. He believed there needed to be significant evidence to support continued water fluoridation and stated he would sign the bill. 

How Fluoride-Free Public Water Sources Impact Your Oral Health

Although Gov. Cox and representatives across Utah favor fluoride-free public water sources, this can have a negative impact on Utahns’ oral health. The American Dental Association sent a letter to Gov. Cox, calling fluoridated water the “most effective, efficient and equitable way for dental disease prevention.” 

As the state prepares to move forward with this initiative, it can have devastating effects on the oral health of individuals across the state. Fluoride is an essential ingredient in preventing tooth decay and cavity development. With fluoride-free water, individuals across Utah may not ingest enough fluoride to prevent this decay.

While ending community water fluoridation may reduce monthly water bills, it will almost certainly increase dental care costs. Fluoride’s hand in preventing tooth decay directly impacts cavity development, and without this mineral in their water sources, dental patients across Utah may need to schedule more fillings, root canals, or tooth extractions. 

Ultimately, with the risk of increased cavities and impact on your dental care bills every month, the decision to move toward fluoride-free public water might not be best for Utahns. With the removal of fluoride from water sources, it is more essential than ever for dental patients across the state to ensure they’re getting enough fluoride in their oral hygiene products and diet. 

How Much Fluoride is Too Much? 

Some dental patients may still worry about whether they’re consuming too much fluoride throughout the day. As mentioned above, the study conducted by Dean found that anything under 1.0 ppm doesn’t result in fluorosis. Fluoride content in water across Utah is currently between 0.3 and 1.0 ppm. 

How much fluoride you get throughout the day varies by age and gender. Adult men should get 4 mg of fluoride, while women need 3 mg. If you’re unsure whether you’re getting enough or not enough fluoride, it is best to speak to your dental team. They can determine if local fluoride-free water sources are negatively impacting your oral health and how you can take steps to improve your routine to support your smile. 

Helping You Achieve Your Strongest, Healthiest Smile

Whether you use fluoride or fluoride-free oral care products, it is essential that you work with a trusted dental team to protect your smile. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the Salt Lake City area, turn to our team at Avenues Dentistry for support. Our team is committed to ensuring you achieve your brightest, healthiest smile. Whether you’re experiencing cavities, gingivitis, misalignments, or other oral health problems, we’re always here to help.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

Establishing a great oral hygiene routine in children is essential for setting them up for life-long oral health success. While teaching them to brush and floss might seem like a small task, it has a major impact on the rest of their lives. With good oral hygiene, they can avoid much of the pain and cost of restorative dental care.

However, instilling good oral hygiene practices in children, especially children under 6, can be difficult. Their attention may be drawn elsewhere, and they may not seem interested in oral hygiene practices. But, by persisting and following a few tips, you can keep their teeth strong, prevent cavities, and establish routines that will benefit them for years to come.

If you have children under 6 and you need help establishing good oral hygiene, keep reading to see what our team recommends. 

Start Young

Putting off establishing an oral hygiene routine might seem like the easiest course of action, but it often makes things far more difficult down the road. In children under 6, it is always best to start as early as possible. Before their first teeth emerge, consider wiping their gums with a damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria and prevent plaque buildup. 

When your child’s first tooth emerges, it is time to start brushing and flossing regularly. Use a small, soft-bristle brush to gently brush their teeth at least two times a day. By starting them early, you help them adjust to the sensation of brushing, making them far less uncomfortable through the process. 

Use the Right Amount of Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is an essential part of every oral hygiene routine, even in the youngest children. While you may be weary of using fluoride oral hygiene products with children under 6, it is essential to help them grow strong, healthy teeth. However, it is important that you don’t overuse fluoride, as this may result in fluorosis, a condition characterized by dark staining on your child’s teeth.

When brushing the teeth of children under 3, use a small smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. For children between 3 and 6, use about a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing. Using this ingredient regularly is essential for preventing cavities and strengthening their enamel. 

Teach Proper Brushing Techniques

Children under 6 lack the dexterity to brush their teeth adequately on their own. For most of their early childhood, you will need to monitor their brushing to ensure they are brushing appropriately and help them reach places they may otherwise miss, like their back molars. When you teach them to brush their teeth, there are a few things you want to instill in them. 

Teach them to brush with a soft-bristle brush in gentle, circular motions for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of their teeth. One great way to help them through this process is by brushing your teeth with them. By brushing side-by-side, they can watch you and learn techniques while allowing you to supervise their brushing technique. 

Make Brushing Fun

After teaching children under 6 how to brush their teeth, they may still not be interested in the activity. Instead, they may drag their feet and put off brushing in place of other, more fun activities. But, by making brushing a fun experience for them, you make it something they look forward to every day. 

Consider taking your child down the oral care aisle at the store to allow them to pick their favorite brush. You may also want to play their favorite music while brushing to ensure they brush for the full two minutes. By setting this up as a fun activity, your children should be more enthusiastic about brushing. 

Don’t Forget Flossing

While brushing is an incredibly important part of the oral hygiene routine of children under 6, it isn’t the only important task. Your child should also be flossing regularly to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. This activity should be incorporated into their routine as soon as your child has two teeth touching. 

You may need to begin with more child-friendly flossing tools, like floss picks, which are easier for your children to use. When they are flossing, you want to ensure they floss between each tooth to remove any food debris and bacteria that may accumulate. By flossing regularly, you can protect them from cavities and gum disease. 

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Even if your child only has a few teeth, it is essential that you schedule regular dental checkups with a trusted provider. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling your child’s first cleaning by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth emerging. Regular checkups help detect signs of cavities and allow the dentist to provide preventive treatments.

If your children under 6 are nervous about visiting the dentist, there are a few things you can do to quell this anxiety. Read books or watch videos about dental visits to familiarize them with the experience. You may also consider choosing a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry, as this experience often helps children feel more comfortable. 

Your Trusted Dentist for Children Under 6

If you are looking for a reliable dentist for your children under 6 in the Salt Lake City area, turn to our team at Avenues Dentistry for support. For decades, we’ve provided the most comprehensive and compassionate dental care to patients across the city. From standard cleanings to cosmetic procedures and everything in between, we’re the perfect team for your family. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your children under 6 or have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

If you have a dental appointment coming up, you may be feeling a bit of anxiety about it. This anxiety isn’t uncommon. Approximately 36% of people experience some dental anxiety, also referred to as dentophobia, before an appointment. In some cases, this phobia can stop you from seeking essential dental care. 

While your dentophobia can prevent you from attending regular dental appointments, sedation dentistry can make it much easier to maintain a healthy smile. If you have dealt with pre-appointment anxiety in the past, keep reading to learn how sedation dentistry can make this process much easier. 

What is Dentophobia?

As mentioned above, dentophobia is a fear of going to the dentist. While dentophobia isn’t uncommon, the cause of this anxiety can stem from a variety of reasons, including: 

• Past traumatic dental experiences
• Fear of needles or the sound of dental instruments
• A strong gag reflex or sensitivity to oral pain
• Anxiety about the loss of control

These fears often prevent dental patients from seeking necessary dental care, putting their oral health at risk. In addition to the fear of going to the dentist, patients who are experiencing dentophobia may also experience the following symptoms:

• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating
• Upset stomach
• Heart palpitations

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a great way to begin tackling your dentophobia. This technique uses sedatives to help patients calm their nerves throughout their dental appointments. It is a safe, effective option tailored to each patient’s level of anxiety and the complexity of their essential treatment. The most common forms of sedation dentistry include: 

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): This is the most well-known form of sedation dentistry. With this option, a sedative is inhaled through a mask, providing a calming effect that wears off about 5 to 10 minutes after administration ends. 
• Oral Sedation: Before your upcoming dental appointment, you may be prescribed an oral medication to take, which will induce moderate relaxation. 
• IV Sedation: Administered directly into the bloodstream, this sedation option offers deeper relaxation and often causes patients to have little to no memory of the procedure. 
• General Anesthesia: This treatment is reserved for the most complex cases and renders a patient completely unconscious. 

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You? 

If you’ve dealt with dentophobia in the past, sedation dentistry is a great way to improve some of your symptoms. There are several great reasons why you may want to consider this treatment, including:

• Reducing Anxiety: Sedation calms your nerves, helping you feel at ease before and during your appointment. 
• Minimizing Physical Discomfort: If sensitivity or a strong gag reflex triggers your anxiety, sedation can alleviate these issues.
• Creating Positive Experiences: Over time, the use of sedation can help patients develop more positive associations with dental visits.
• Enabling Comprehensive Care: With reduced anxiety, patients are more likely to complete necessary treatments, avoiding prolonged dental problems.

Even with all of these benefits, you may wonder whether sedation dentistry is the right choice for you to address your dentophobia. Sedation dentistry is best for individuals who:

• Have extreme dental phobias
• Require extensive and complex dental work
• Have a low pain tolerance or sensitive teeth
• Experience difficulty sitting still for long periods

Other Ways to Quell Anxiety Before a Dental Appointment

While sedation dentistry is a great way for some patients to address their pre-appointment dentophobia, it isn’t for everyone. Some patients may be weary of seeking sedation dentistry for general dental appointments, like dental cleanings, and prefer other options. Some other great ways to address your anxiety before and during your dental appointment include: 

• Bring a Distraction: If you have the ability to, consider bringing music, a movie, or a podcast to listen to throughout your appointment. These distractions give you something to focus on while your dental team performs the necessary services. 
• Practice Mindfulness: Before going to your appointment, consider practicing meditation and breathing exercises. Once you’re at your appointment, these exercises can help slow your heart rate and reduce anxiety. 
• Bring a Friend or Family Member: If you have someone who can come with you to your upcoming appointment, this may be a good option to prevent dentophobia. Their support throughout your appointment can help you remain calm. 
• Choose Low-Stress Times: Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of your dentist’s office is what causes stress. Talk to your dental office about when they are the slowest, and schedule an appointment during this downtime. 

Helping You Overcome Dental Anxiety

If dentophobia has kept you from seeking dental care, sedation dentistry can help you take that first crucial step toward better oral health. A consultation with your dentist will allow them to assess your needs and recommend the best sedation option for your situation. For individuals in Salt Lake City looking for support through dental anxiety, turn to Avenues Dentistry for support.

Since 1962, our team has provided the most reliable and compassionate dental care to patients across Northern Utah. Whether you’re experiencing dental anxiety or need the support of an expert team, we are the perfect choice for you. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us for support.