The Truth About Water Fluoridation

by Timm Dowling, Resource Development Executive

When you think of reasons kids miss school, what do you think of?

Influenza? Transportation? Substance abuse? Apathy?

What about dental health?

That’s right; tooth decay is a leading cause of absenteeism. Children with dental disease miss more school days than other children, disrupting their educational and social experiences. This leads to developmental delays, increasing the educational gap that we are fighting so hard to bridge. If children don’t show up for school regularly, they miss out on fundamental reading and math skills and the chance to build a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Children who start behind often stay behind, continuing the cycle of poverty.

Those cheesy videos about fighting plaque weren’t just a marketing ploy. Cavities are detrimental to our overall health, especially for children. The mouth is the portal for nutrients to our bodies and without a healthy mouth; you won’t have a healthy body. Not only is it virtually impossible to eat when you have poor oral hygiene (tooth decay, gum disease, oral sores, etc.) but it distracts from all other aspects of your life. When a young child’s front teeth are damaged or missing, they often can’t form words correctly, resulting in speech issues, and tend to embrace an anti-social demeanor.

According to the Washington Dental Service Foundation, nearly 40 percent of children start kindergarten with tooth decay; almost 15 percent have rampant decay (seven or more decayed/filled teeth). Nearly six out of 10 third grade children have tooth decay in permanent teeth.

So how do we ensure most of us can have a healthy smile and optimal oral health? One proven way that has been used safely in the United States for nearly 70 years is community water fluoridation. Pierce County residents have been safely enjoying its use since the late 1950s, though not everyone is receiving it.

“Nearly 65 percent of Washington State residents improve their dental health, and overall health, by drinking fluoridated water. However, in Pierce County that number is less than half. There is obviously room for improvement. For those who want to improve the health of Pierce County residents, community water fluoridation is of proven value,” says Laura Smith, President and CEO of the Washington Dental Service Foundation.

Water Fluoridation is one of the safest and most cost efficient community health initiatives in the country. It is one of the most thoroughly studied subjects, and the substantial scientific evidence shows it is safe and effective.

In addition to the health benefits, water fluoridation is extremely cost effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention commissioned a study which found that every $1 invested in fluoridation saves $38 by reducing the need for dental fillings, crowns, or other treatments. This holds true for communities of over 20,000 people, but even smaller towns often find the savings a great value.

Community anxiety around water fluoridation stems from misinformation. This is similar to the issue of vaccinations. The public simply isn’t properly informed about the matter and it’s much easier to digest an emotional comment on Facebook than several pages of a scientific study. But the facts are out there and those who are properly educated on the matter understand the importance and benefit of community water fluoridation.

To connect with low cost dental resources, give our South Sound 211 office a call or find more referral information here: http://www.uwpc.org/FindHelp.htm