Fluoride has been in the news a lot over the past year, and patients have started asking us about it during cleanings. That makes sense. Several Indiana communities have changed course, and it’s hard to know what’s true when headlines go in every direction.
What’s happening around Indiana
Late last year, Charlestown’s city council voted to end fluoridation, and Indiana American Water removed fluoride from that system. Cambridge City has debated the same move. Bloomington went the other way: its fluoride equipment failed for several years, and the city restored fluoride in January 2026 after residents pushed for it.
In other words, fluoride levels can change because of a council vote, a budget decision or simply aging equipment. Most people never hear about it unless they read the fine print.
How to check your own water
If you’re on city water in Columbus, look for the annual water quality report from Columbus City Utilities. It lists fluoride levels. The recommended level for cavity prevention is 0.7 mg/L. If you’re on a private well, which is common in rural Bartholomew County, your fluoride level could be almost anything. A simple lab test will tell you. The Indiana Department of Health keeps a list of certified water labs.
Why it matters for teeth
Fluoride makes enamel harder and helps repair the earliest stage of a cavity before it turns into a hole. According to the Indiana Department of Health, water fluoridation cuts tooth decay in children by 40 to 70 percent. That’s a big deal for kids, whose enamel is still developing, and for older adults on medications that cause dry mouth.
Other ways to get fluoride
Tap water is only one source. Whatever is in your water, you can still protect your family:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. A rice-grain smear for kids under 3, a pea-size amount after that.
- Get a professional fluoride varnish at checkups. It takes about a minute.
- Ask about sealants for kids’ back teeth.
- For high cavity risk, we may suggest a prescription toothpaste or rinse.
If your water has little or no fluoride, tell us at your next visit. We’ll factor that into your child’s prevention plan instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Have questions? Just ask
No one at Olive Branch Dental will make you feel silly for asking about fluoride. We’d rather you ask us than a random comment section. Call (812) 516-5777 or book a visit online. We see kids, parents and grandparents at our office on W Jonathan Moore Pike.
