York County water utility asks customers about fluoride amid increasing scrutiny

The Red Lion Municipal Authority is seeking input as it considers discontinuing the addition of fluoride to the water amid increasing scrutiny — and misinformation — about the practice, which dates back to the 1950s.

Fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the CDC. In 1950, federal officials endorsed water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay. About one-third of community water systems — 17,000 out of 51,000 across the U.S. — serving more than 60% of the population fluoridated their water, according to a 2022 CDC analysis.