St. Petersburg will stop adding fluoride to its public drinking water system next week to comply with a new statewide ban, the city announced Tuesday. But the city still touted the natural mineral’s dental benefits.

A law approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis last month requires municipalities to cease adding fluoride to their public drinking water systems by July 1. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , adding fluoride to public drinking water helps prevent cavities.

“My administration remains dedicated to public health and the benefits of optimal fluoridation,” Mayor Ken Welch said in a statement. “As we work with community partners to explore ways that help impacted residents maintain their dental health, we will continue to provide updates and resources

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