Florida is poised to become the second state 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.

Floridians no longer would have fluoridated water if Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signs a measure into law that would ban adding fluoride to public water supplies.

This month, Seminole County became the largest utility provider in Central Florida to stop adding fluoride to its drinking water before distributing it to about 40,000 customers. Commissioners made the move even after several health professionals strongly urged them to continue the practice.