City of Gatlinburg will keep fluoride in its water

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The City of Gatlinburg will keep adding fluoride to its water supply after outrage from neighbors and health professionals.

The City sent a letter to utility customers earlier in August, saying they were considering removing fluoride — a naturally occurring mineral that doctors say strengthens tooth enamel and can help prevent cavities. It's been added to drinking water for decades.

"Fluoride as a chemical element has a high affinity for calcium, which is what our teeth are made out of. Probably about 75-80 years ago, they started adding fluoride to water drinking supplies, with the hope that it would improve dental health and reduce childhood cavities," Dr. Nathan Duncan, an associate professor of chemistry at Maryville College, said.

In recent years, debates abou