New study shows saftey of floride use
Fluoride in the water is becoming an issue again in Cache Valley. Last year residents of Logan voted down adding fluoride to the water 54 to 46 percent.
The Centers for Disease Control recently released a review stating water fluoridation aided in preventing tooth decay.
This statement is causing people to wonder if the fluoride issue in Logan should be re-examined. Dr. Ariel Thomson D.D.S. has studied the issue for several years. He is a member of the Bear River Board of Health, has worked for the CDC and National Institute of Dental Research and has a doctorate in microbiology.
“There is no controversy with fluoridating the water,” Thomson said.
The Utah Medical Association endorses the improvement of public health through water fluoridation.
According to a statement by the UMA it has “long advocated the fluoridation of water as a safe and effective means of preventing dental caries.” Dental caries are the demineralization of the tooth surface caused by bacteria.
When Thomson was asked what one of the main benefits of water fluoridation was, he said it permits adults to keep their teeth – especially teeth subject to root decay. Fluoride strengthens the teeth, so as the gum tissues recede the exposed enamel is resistant to decay.
There have been more than 3,400 journal articles published in favor of having fluoride in the water, Thomson said.
Matt Bost, a junior studying parks and recreation management, lived in Hampton, Va., which has fluoridated water.
“Dentists tell me because of the fluoride my teeth are really hard,” Bost said.
The American Dental Association reports the average cost of fluoridation is approximately $1 per person per year. It also figures for every $1 spent on fluoridation, one saves $80 in dental treatments.
Walt Appel has been working on the grass roots community campaign opposing fluoridation. Appel told The Herald Journal last month fluoridating the valley’s water supply is neither beneficial to dental health nor cost effective.
Appel argued it is too difficult to determine whether an appropriate dose could be administered. He said it is impossible to give everyone an appropriate daily dose.
Sophomore Brittany West, majoring in management human resources, said she voted against adding fluoride to the water last year.
“It’s scary to have people put things in the water you have no control over,” she said.