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| 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
