A change in federal standards for fluoridated drinking water begs the question of whether we're getting too much of a good thing, or a bad thing all together.

Fluoride, a mineral that has been linked to the prevention of cavities, is commonly added to mouthwash and toothpaste to strengthen enamel. Yet too much of it causes blotchy white spots on teeth, which has sparked official reevaluation of how much is going into public water.

The government has recommended varying degrees of fluoride be added to water since 1962, depending on the temperature of the climate where it will be consumed. The new suggestion is 0.7 parts per million, representing a significant reduction in colder areas where the old recommendation was 1.2 parts per million.

14.6% of New Jersey residents and about 75% of Americans are served by community water sources, which would be affected by the new levels.

East Brunswick Mayor David Stahl represents a portion of the population who disapprove of fluoridation. He told NJ.com it is "mass medication," and the government's change of standards exposes the fact that too much fluoride can harm you.

However, most dentists and medical organizations approve of the mineral's use, and recommend its addition to water as a way of keeping teeth healthy.

Regardless of whether fluoride should be added to our public water supply, do you support fluoridated water itself? Let us know in the poll below!

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