Water Fluoridation Policies Back in the Headlines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers water fluoridation a cost-effective method of delivering fluoride to all. Fluoride in water reduces tooth decay by 25% in children and adults. Furthermore, decay remains one of the most common chronic conditions among children, and many continue to advocate for this passive intervention.

Yet, advocacy groups like FluorideAlert.org believe fluoride is highly toxic and can cause a range of adverse health effects.

It Started Local, Keep it Local

"Community water fluoridation is a passive intervention." "You don't have to do anything other than drink tap water." said, oral health director at the CDC. Moreover, "You don't have to buy a product or access to a dental professional. It benefits people who don't have money to go to a dentist or don't have any insurance." (USAToday.com)

In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first locality to add fluoride to its city water system. Since then, hundreds of cities have started community water fluoridation. By 2012, nearly 75% of the United States served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water. Because of its contribution and dramatic decline in tooth decay over the past 70 years, CDC named community water fluoridation a public health achievement.

Perhaps the best solution to water fluoridation policy is to keep it a local matter. Dr. Kaushal Dhawan at The Colorado Center for Implant and Prosthetic Dentistry will help you determine solutions to your dental problems. If you would like more information from your Littleton area Prosthodontist, please call to make an appointment today.