Florida is poised to become the second state to ban fluoride in public drinking water, over the concerns of dentists and public health advocates who say the mineral is a safe, effective way to protect people of all ages from developing cavities.

Florida is on the verge of banning fluoride in public drinking water systems, a move that has sparked concern among dentists and public health officials. The decision contradicts decades of scientific evidence supporting water fluoridation as a safe and effective method for preventing cavities.

If the bill is signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida would become the second state to ban fluoride, as a backlash against the oral health measure grows.