Dental society supports fluoridation efforts

To the editor:
    Two years ago, the residents of Island Falls got it right. They voted to protect the teeth of their children and keep community water fluoridation.
    Now there is talk of bringing the question to another vote. This is disappointing. As dentists who serve the community of Island Falls and other towns from Millinocket to Houlton, we know clearly the safe and reliable benefits to community water fluoridation.
    Community water fluoridation is cavity prevention. It stops tooth decay and it does it safely. All over the world, fluoride is used in public water supplies to build strong teeth and prevent tooth decay. National and international organizations have completed study after study that demonstrates the safety of fluoridation.
    While some argue about the cost of adding fluoride to public water, let’s not forget the cost to individuals who lose this prevention tool and suffer from dental disease. As dentists we see what it costs people who live in towns without fluoride — more visits to the dentist, more expensive dental treatments and more pain and suffering.
    It is not true that you can get enough fluoride simply by eating products from the supermarket, using fluoridated toothpaste and drinking beverages made with fluoridated water. The amount of fluoride contained in food and beverages is just not enough to protect your teeth.
    When a public water system is fluoridated, using that water for drinking and cooking is one of the best ways to help protect teeth from decay. Trained professionals at the local water districts competently make sure that the right amount of fluoride is added, and check it daily, so we offer a tip of our hats to them for this service to the people of Aroostook County.
    As dentists we always stress prevention. Over and over again, we tell our patients to brush and floss every day. Our goal is to support activities that help people build strong, healthy teeth; it is why we are dentists. That is why we support the continued use of fluoride in public water supplies — it’s one of the best ways to ensure that people living in towns like Island Falls can keep their teeth healthy.
The Aroostook County Dental Society
Presque Isle