Fluoridated Water; Drink it Up!

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

Community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure in history to prevent tooth decay.  Grand Rapids, Michigan became the world's first city to adjust the level of fluoride in its water supply back in 1945. Since that time, fluoridation of drinking water has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites community water fluoridation as one of ten great public health achievements of the 20th century. About 72% of the U.S. population served by public water systems receive the benefit of optimally fluoridated water. 

Fluoridation of community water supplies is simply the adjustment of the existing, naturally occurring fluoride levels in drinking water to an optimal fluoride level recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service, identified as 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million for the prevention of tooth decay. Water that has been fortified with fluoride is similar to fortifying milk with Vitamin D, table salt with iodine, and bread and cereals with folic acid.

Glenwood Springs has fluoride in its public water too. The City of Glenwood Springs began supplementing the natural fluoride in its water supply in 1986. Although fluoride exists naturally in No Name and Grizzly Creeks at a quantity of 0.08 to 0.25 parts per million, that amount is augmented to 1 part per million, based on the recommended level set by the Colorado Department of Public Health.

Studies conducted throughout the past 67 years have consistently shown that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective in preventing dental decay in both children and adults. Simply by drinking water, people can benefit from fluoridation's cavity protection. Today, studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing tooth decay by 20 to 40 percent, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, like fluoride toothpaste. 

Fluoridation is one public health program that actually saves money. Consider this: an individual can have a lifetime of fluoridated water for less than the cost of one dental filling. 

The bottom line? Drink lots of water, and here's to your abundant good health!

Dr. Benjamin Coon, D.D.S.

Glenwood Meadows Dental

40 Market Street, Suite A

Glenwood Springs, CO  81601

970-947-1717

www.gmeadowsdental.com