Water fluoridation needs to be revisited

Re: “Kids’ dental-care record appalling,” editorial, Sept. 18. The editorial on this critical issue mentions the lack of fluoridation of drinking water. The underlying medical debate over its use needs to be revisited, particularly for the causal factors the editorial examines.

When fluoride is removed from public water supply, the impact is disproportionately imposed on those who have little or no access to dentists. This is why our Rotary Club and others support the Orcca Dental Clinic Society (orccadental.org), which provides free detail care through a clinic at Sidney Elementary School.

A group of generous, dedicated local dentists saw a community need no one else realized. The results have been as astounding as they are sad. One child was brought to the clinic a while ago. The dentist, rather than spending time on what he saw, immediately dialled 911 for an ambulance to convey his patient to hospital for major reconstructive jaw surgery.

Sidney is one of the richest municipalities in one of the wealthiest provinces in one of the wealthiest countries on Earth. There can be no excuse for what the Orcca dentists see every day, but the marked absence of fluoride in Capital Regional District-provided tap water is one possible explanation. John Treleaven Sidney