Adding fluoride to water good for public health

I recently sent a letter to Catasauqua officials urging them to reconsider their decision to stop optimizing the fluoride in the public drinking water.

Removing fluoride in your water supply could have long-term consequences for your health.

Over the past 77 years, adjusting the level of naturally occurring fluoride in public water systems has proven to be one of the most cost-effective, equitable and safe measures community leaders can take to help residents prevent cavities and improve oral health. Many families who do not have access to regular dental care are still healthier because of this.

Even when common products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses are used, fluoridated water reduces tooth decay another 25%. Studies show schoolchildren in communities with adjusted water fluoridation have, on average, two fewer decayed teeth. Removing the optimal fluoride level from community water systems harms vulnerable individuals in our communities.

Basing the decision solely on expenses ignores multiple long-term economic evaluations confirming the cost benefits of community water fluoridation. A recent economic review of multiple studies found these programs actually save communities money.

Denise A. Johnson

The writer is acting secretary of health and Pennsylvania’s physician general.