The city of Santa Fe, NM, will no longer fluoridate its drinking water, ending a practice that has been going on since 1955, according to a news story in the New Mexican.
The city council voted to make the change July 11.
"It's time for the city of Santa Fe to recognize that the application of fluoride is outdated," stated Jimmie McClure, a chiropractic physician, in the story.
He noted that fluoride is shown to be effective to prevent decay when applied topically, but not when ingested. Meanwhile, Councilor Chris Calvert said that the city should give the $32,000 it currently spends on fluoridation to local dental clinics for the poor.
The move has its opposers, who voiced concern that the move could lead to more dental decay, especially among the poor and uninsured, according to the story.
