Florida is poised 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.

Rep. Danny Alvarez said it's not about fluoride but government agencies should not decide whether to put drugs and chemicals in people’s bodies.

Florida’s legislature passed a law banning fluoride in drinking water, a move that advances growing skepticism among conservative lawmakers towards long-accepted dental hygiene.