Fluoride safety concerns took center stage during the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners meeting on July 17, 2025, as a resident shared a personal account of adverse reactions to fluoride treatments. The speaker, reflecting on his dental experiences from decades ago, recounted how a fluoride rinse caused immediate burning and bleeding of his gums, prompting him to refuse further use.

He expressed skepticism about fluoride's effectiveness in preventing cavities, citing studies he received from his dentist that were funded by major corporations like Procter and Gamble and Johnson and Johnson. This raised questions about the objectivity of the research supporting fluoride use. The resident concluded with a cautionary note about the potential dangers of toothpaste, highlighting warnings that advise contacting poison control if swallowed.

The meeting proceeded without further public comments, moving on to unfinished business, which was addressed with no additional discussions. The resident's testimony underscores ongoing debates about fluoride's safety and efficacy, reflecting a growing public interest in dental health practices.