--- title: "Missouri Towns Ending Fluoridation: Kids' Teeth Facts" description: "Some Missouri towns have stopped adding fluoride to water. Read what the state and CDC say, and what families near Wildwood can ask their dentist." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/some-missouri-towns-are-ending-fluoridation-what-it-means-for-kids-teeth publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Missouri Towns Ending Fluoridation: Kids' Teeth Facts Missouri leaves fluoridation to local governments, and a few towns, including Branson and Houston, have stopped adding it. If your town changes, ask your water supplier for its fluoride level and talk with your child's dentist about fluoride toothpaste and other options. Kids and familyPublished October 26, 20263 min read ## Are Missouri towns really ending fluoridation? A few are. KBIA reported in April 2025 that “a few cities in Missouri have already stopped adding fluoride in their water, such as Branson in 2023 and Houston in 2018.” The same story said councils in Rolla and Hannibal had proposed ending it. This is a news report from 2025, so check your own city for current votes. This post does not take a side. It explains who decides, what the state and CDC say, and what a parent near Wildwood can do either way. We did not find a decision by St. Louis County or by the City of Wildwood on this topic. ## Who decides if a town adds fluoride? Local governments decide. KBIA says the state “has left the decision to local governments.” CDC describes the same split: “State and local governments decide whether to implement water fluoridation.” Your water supplier, city council or district board is the place to ask. Question Where to ask Does my water have added fluoride? Your water supplier or utility Is my town voting on it? Your city council or water district What does the state say? Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services I have a private well. What now? A lab test, through your local health department ## What does Missouri’s health department say? The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services says that “approximately 100 communities in Missouri are currently supplementing the natural fluoride level in the water system to the optimum for dental decay prevention.” It also points readers to a “My Water’s Fluoride” page. For specifics, it says, “contact your local water district.” The state page describes community water fluoridation as a way to help prevent [tooth decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-decay). CDC says fluoride in water combines with the outer layers of enamel, which makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Other people raise concerns about fluoride, and the news story above covers some of that debate. Your child’s dentist can talk with you about your own questions. ## How do I check my own family’s water? Start with the supplier named on your water bill. Ask two plain questions: “Do you add fluoride?” and “What was the level in your last report?” Write down the answer and the date. Water systems can change their practice, so ask again each year. Some Wildwood homes use public water and others use private wells. Which one serves your address is something only your bill or your supplier can confirm. We do not know your address, and this post makes no claim about any one home’s water. ## What changes for kids’ teeth if the water changes? Water is one source of fluoride among several. CDC says that “fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste work together to prevent cavities.” If water fluoride goes away, the other sources matter more. Here are the steps most families take: 1. Ask your water supplier for its current fluoride level in writing. 2. Brush twice a day with [fluoride toothpaste](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-toothpaste), using the amount that fits your child’s age. 3. Keep up regular dental visits so early cavities are found while they are small. 4. Ask your dentist about [fluoride varnish](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-varnish) or other fluoride products for your child. 5. Cut back on sugary drinks and snacks between meals. Fluoride that comes from many sources can change how enamel looks if a child gets too much while teeth are forming. This is called [dental fluorosis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-fluorosis). Your dentist helps weigh this against cavity risk, which is why a visit beats guessing. ## What if my family uses a private well? Then no utility reports a number. CDC says well water fluoride can be found only through lab analysis. Read our post on [private wells in Wildwood](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/on-a-private-well-in-wildwood-what-to-know-about-fluoride-for-kids) for the steps. For homes on public water, see [Does Wildwood tap water have fluoride?](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/does-wildwood-tap-water-have-fluoride). ## Where can I learn more about kids and cavities? Our guide on [kids’ cavities and fluoride](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/kids-cavities-and-fluoride) explains how fluoride works, how much toothpaste to use and when to see the dentist. A child’s [early childhood caries](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/early-childhood-caries) risk is worth a conversation at the first visit. ## Next step Our [dentistry for kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids) page describes how our dentists care for children. To ask about fluoride for your child, call (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). ## Frequently asked questions ### Who decides whether a Missouri town adds fluoride to its water? Local governments decide. KBIA reports that the state of Missouri cannot prohibit or force the addition of fluoride to local water supplies and has left the decision to local governments. CDC says the same about state and local governments in general. ### Which Missouri towns have stopped adding fluoride? KBIA reported in April 2025 that Branson stopped in 2023 and Houston stopped in 2018. It also said councils in Rolla and Hannibal had proposed bans. Check your own city or water supplier for current news. ### How do I find my water's fluoride level? Missouri's health department points readers to its My Water's Fluoride page and says to contact your local water district for more specific information. If you use a private well, only a lab test can show the level. ### What can I do if my town stops adding fluoride? Keep brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and keep regular dental visits. Ask your dentist whether your child could use other fluoride products. Your dentist will talk with you about what fits your child. ### Does fluoride toothpaste replace fluoridated water? CDC says fluoridated water and fluoride toothpaste work together to prevent cavities. Toothpaste is one tool, and water is another. Your dentist can help you decide what your child needs if the water changes. ## Terms on this page - [Community water fluoridation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/community-water-fluoridation) - [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries) - [Early childhood caries](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/early-childhood-caries) - [Fluoride toothpaste](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-toothpaste) - [Dental fluorosis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-fluorosis) - [Fluoride varnish](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-varnish) - [Tooth decay](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-decay) - [Enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel) ## Sources 1. [Missouri DHSS: Water Fluoridation Training](https://health.mo.gov/families/healthy-families/oral-health/water-fluoridation-training) 2. [Missouri DHSS: Water Fluoridation Training](https://health.mo.gov/families/healthy-families/oral-health/water-fluoridation-training) 3. [KBIA: Some Missouri communities are trying to end fluoridation in their water systems](https://www.kbia.org/kbia-news/2025-04-04/some-missouri-communities-are-trying-to-end-fluoridation-in-their-water-systems) 4. [KBIA: Some Missouri communities are trying to end fluoridation in their water systems](https://www.kbia.org/kbia-news/2025-04-04/some-missouri-communities-are-trying-to-end-fluoridation-in-their-water-systems) 5. [CDC: Community Water Fluoridation Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/faq/index.html) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Kids' Cavities, Fluoride and Sealants: How Do I Protect Baby and Adult Teeth?Cavities start when germs in the mouth feed on sugar and make acid that harms enamel. Fluoride makes enamel stronger. Sealants cover the grooves of back teeth. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, sensible drinks and snacks, and regular dental visits help protect baby and adult teeth. Your dentist will advise on your child.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/kids-cavities-and-fluoride) - [Private Well in Wildwood? Fluoride Facts for KidsWildwood homes on private wells do not get a fluoride report from a water utility. CDC says only a lab test can show the fluoride level in well water. Take the result to your child's dentist, who can talk with you about fluoride toothpaste and other options.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/on-a-private-well-in-wildwood-what-to-know-about-fluoride-for-kids) - [Does Wildwood Tap Water Have Fluoride? What the Report SaysMissouri American Water reported 0.59 ppm fluoride in its 2025 water quality report, with a range of 0.49 to 0.59 ppm. The City of Wildwood lists Missouri American Water as a utility. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends 0.7 mg/L. The report lists no towns, so confirm your address with your supplier.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/does-wildwood-tap-water-have-fluoride) - [Your Child's First Dental Visit: When To Start, What To Expect, and When Teeth Come and GoThe ADA and the AAP say to schedule your child's first dental visit after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Most visits are short. The dentist checks the teeth and gums, talks about cleaning and habits, and plans future check-ups. Baby teeth start to come in around 6 months.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/childs-first-dental-visit) - [Sensitive Teeth: Why Do My Teeth React to Cold and Sweets, and What Helps?Teeth feel sensitive when the dentin under the enamel or gum becomes exposed, so heat, cold, sweets or acid reach the nerve. Causes include worn enamel, receding gums, cavities, cracks, grinding and some products. Desensitizing toothpaste may help mild cases. Pain that is sharp or lingers needs a dental exam.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/sensitive-teeth) - [Dental X-Rays: How Much Radiation, Which Types and How OftenDental X-rays use very low doses of radiation, and the ADA says the risk of harm is very small. Dentists order them based on your age, risk for disease and symptoms, so you may not need them at every visit. Bitewing, periapical and panoramic images are the most common types.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-xrays-safety-frequency) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)