The Burlington Times News: Dentists chimes in on fluoridation debate

The N.C. Dental Society has raised concerns about the possibility of fluoridation ending as a practice in public drinking water sources.

The topic of fluoridation has received attention recently because of the opposition to it by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy has said that the Trump administration would advise public water systems to remove fluoride, which opponents of fluoridation blame for a range of diseases and ailments.

Supporters of fluoridation say the fears are unfounded. The state Dental Society recently released a statement encouraging local governments and regional water suppliers to maintain the longstanding practice of fluoridation to help prevent people from getting cavities.

For more than 75 years, public water systems nationwide have adjusted the naturally occurring fluoride levels in drinking water to optimal levels, significantly reducing tooth decay and improving public health outcomes for children and adults alike, said Dr. Roslyn Crisp, a Burlington pediatric dentist and the president of the dental society.

“Scientific studies prove fluoride benefits both children and adults, particularly those without regular access to dental care,” Crisp said. “Community water fluoridation helps bridge the gap for underserved communities, reducing health disparities and promoting long-term oral health.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes community water fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. With support from the CDC and the U.S. Public Health Service, fluoride is maintained in public water at an optimal level of 0.7 parts per million.

“To put that in context, if we were discussing money, we’d be talking about 70 cents out of $1 million,” Crisp said.

Dr. Ali Shazib, dean of the High Point University Workman School of Dental Medicine, said that research has indicated that people who get drinking water from sources without fluoridation have, on average, higher rates of cavities.

“If those community members don’t have access to dental care, fluoridation can bridge those health care disparities,” Shazib said.

On a 3-2 split vote this past February, the Union County Board of Commissioners decided to remove fluoride from the county water system. The board acted after constituents pressed the commissioners.