Utah becomes first US state to ban fluoride in public drinking water

Republican governor Spencer Cox signs law despite pleas of health experts, who warn that children will be most hurt

Utah on Wednesday will become the first state in the US to ban fluoride in public drinking water. Dentists who treat children and low-income patients say they're bracing for an increase in tooth decay among the state's most vulnerable people.

Utah's Republican governor, Spencer Cox, signed the law against the recommendation of many dentists and national health experts who warned removing fluoride would harm tooth development, especially in young patients without regular access to dental care.