If you've assumed your tap water is protecting your teeth the same way it does in most U.S. cities, it's worth knowing that Bonita Springs isn't one of them.
Bonita Springs Utilities has never added fluoride to its water supply, and only naturally occurring trace levels are present, meaning residents don't receive the cavity-prevention benefit that community water fluoridation provides elsewhere.
Where Things Stand Locally
According to Bonita Springs Utilities' own water quality information, the utility does not add fluoride. Based on that same data, natural fluoride levels in the water average just 0.2 mg/L, well below the level associated with cavity prevention.
This isn't a new development. It's simply how the local water supply has always been treated. More recently, in February 2025, the Lee County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to stop adding fluoride to Lee County Utilities' water as well, following public comments from Florida's Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, who has publicly opposed water fluoridation statewide.
A Contested Topic
Fluoridation has become a politically charged public health topic in Florida. It's worth examining both sides of the argument. Florida's Surgeon General has argued that fluoride carries potential neurodevelopmental risks and that individuals should be able to opt in rather than have it added to a shared water supply. Meanwhile, the American Dental Association, along with the CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics, continues to maintain that community water fluoridation at recommended levels is safe and effective at preventing tooth decay.
What This Means for Your Family, Regardless of Where You Stand
Whatever your view on water fluoridation, the practical impact on Bonita Springs residents is the same: no meaningful fluoride protection from tap water. That protection needs to come from elsewhere. The ADA recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and using fluoride mouthwash as effective, individually chosen alternatives to fluoridated water.
For children, Dr. Michael Gostigian can also discuss in-office fluoride treatments and sealants for additional cavity protection.
Talking to Your Dentist About Your Options
Every patient's cavity risk and preferences around fluoride are different. The best way to figure out what additional protection makes sense for your family is a conversation with your dentist about your specific oral health needs and risk factors.
Cavity Prevention in Bonita Springs, FL
If you're in Bonita Springs and wondering how to protect your family's teeth without fluoridated water, Dr. Michael Gostigian and the friendly, knowledgeable Bonita Grande Dental team can help you build a plan that fits your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!