Fluoridation Debate Resurfaces in Michigan Amid Skeptic Momentum

Just 15 months after receiving a CDC award for its water fluoridation program, Grayling, Michigan, ended its decadeslong initiative, citing personal choice. The city council voted unanimously in May, shutting down equipment and returning unopened fluoride barrels. City officials suggested residents who want fluoride can still access it via toothpaste or dental treatments.

Once hailed as a public health triumph—pioneered in Grand Rapids in 1945—fluoridation faces renewed skepticism, with critics gaining influence in federal, state, and local governments. Michigan communities are increasingly debating or discontinuing the practice, often with limited public notice. Experts warn that ending fluoridation raises the risk of tooth decay, particularly for children, older adults, and underserved populations. Historical examples from Windsor, Ontario, and Calgary show that halting fluoridation leads to higher rates of cavities and costly dental interventions.

While Grayling’s decision reflects local choice, public health advocates emphasize fluoridation’s enduring role in preventing dental disease.

20-09-2025