Discussion about removing fluoride from drinking water nationwide is sparking debate in Maine

KENNEBUNK (WGME) – President-elect Donald Trump says Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s plan to remove fluoride from water is “fine with me.”

The former presidential candidate, known for advocating for food safety but also occasionally spouting conspiracy theories, could play a public health role in the White House and has put eliminating fluoridated water at the top of his list.

Back in 2016, voters in several communities in the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water District voted to remove fluoride from water.

It was a controversial decision at the time and remains so today.

“There are two sides to the issue and the debate,” said Roger Paradis, superintendent of the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Wells Water District.

Paradis was not the region’s water supervisor when the move to remove fluoride was made. He worked at the Portland Water District, which has had fluoridated water since 1997.

“As time went on, there were groups that questioned it and we got some calls about it,” Paradis said.

“I think there is a lot of misinformation about fluoride. We know it can significantly improve people’s oral health and perhaps even save lives,” said Dianne Smallidge, director of the University of New England’s dental hygiene program. “The CDC has identified community water fluoridation as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of all time.”

According to Smallidge, it has been proven to prevent tooth decay or tooth decay while saving you money.

“Drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces tooth decay in children and adults by about 25 percent,” said Dr. Puthiery Va, Maine CDC Director.

While this has been practiced across America since the 1940s, Maine was a late adopter.

“It’s really important for our rural communities here in Maine because it actually adds that layer of prevention, especially in areas where access to oral health care is really difficult,” Va said.

But some people, like Kennedy, cite research that claims it has negative health effects.

“It causes IQ loss. It causes neurodevelopmental damage in people and especially children,” Kennedy said.

“In the study, so many people are talking about fluoride consumption levels that are twice the recommended amount,” Smallidge said.

She says other studies have repeatedly shown that fluoride is safe.

“The toothpastes are now sufficient and mouthwash is used to provide fluoride. It’s not necessary in the public water supply,” Kennedy said.

But Smallidge says it’s not the same. What’s in the water is more effective during teeth development, not afterward.

“You can never replace this opportunity,” Smallidge said.

CBS13 Reporter Mal Meyer: “What would you say to concerned parents?”

Va: “Our Maine CDC here, we continue to monitor these things.”

The state drinking water program works with communities to ensure fluoride levels are safe and follows the latest research.

“We continue to base our work on science,” Va said.

Even if it is not introduced intentionally, fluoride remains.

“It can occur naturally in groundwater and surface water sources, but usually at lower concentrations that are not beneficial to the medical community,” Paradis said.