While the DeKalb Utility District (DUD) has voted to exclude fluoridation of water produced at their new water treatment plant, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) has sent a letter to local physicians in support of the fluoridation process.
While the DUD board reportedly voted unanimously against including the fluoridation process, notices were mailed out with the utility’s monthly bills beforehand. DUD officials said only four customers returned opinions, and all were against fluoridation.
DUD officials cited The Journal of American Medicine, which reads:
“Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in most all waters in Tennessee. Surface water as in lakes or rivers has less amounts than ground water sources. Fluoride is in other sources such as toothpaste, mouthwash and fluoride treatments from the dentist. Some dietary supplements and packaged foods also have fluoride added. Any product made with water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, or sprayed with water, such as fruits or vegetables, also has fluoride if their water source is fluoridated.
“Fluoride, while regulated by the state, is not mandated as it serves no purpose in the treatment of water. It does not aid in the clarifying or disinfection of the water. It is purely an additive to the water that helps in the development of teeth in young children.
“While tap water is perfectly safe to drink, more and more people are drinking bottled water which does not contain fluoride.
“For many years, the normal dose of fluoride in treated water was 0.7 to 1.2 ppm (parts per million). That has been lowered to a recommended level of 0.7 ppm “to curb a rise in dental fluorosis in the United States” as stated in the article from the Journal of American Medicine.
(The Journal of American Medicine Bridget M. Kuehn JAMA. 2011;305(8):770. doi:10.1001/jama.2011.181)
In a letter to local health care providers, however, State of Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John J. Dreyzehner wrote:
“The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote, and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. In advancement of this goal, the Department operates on the fundamental principles of working to protect health in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Preventing and controlling oral disease through community water fluoridation is one such key health protection.
“Unfortunately, the access to fluoridated tap water will no longer be available in the DeKalb Community, following the opening of the new water treatment plant. The Tennessee Department of Health supports and endorses community water fluoridation, at optimal levels of 0.7 parts per million, in public water systems in Tennessee. Because of the recent vote by the DeKalb Utility District to not provide for water fluoridation, you may be currently treating or have the opportunity in the future to treat some of the individuals affected by his decision.
“Primary prevention is the first line of defense and community water fluoridation is primary prevention. Current studies show adverse effects of fluoridation cessation on children’s tooth decay, 2.5 – 3 years post cessation. Within the next three years the DeKalb community will likely see the oral health of its most vulnerable citizens, our children, deteriorate and parents will have to bear the cost of increased health care expenses for their treatment.
“As you know, based upon decay risk and the level of naturally occurring fluoride in the water, fluoride supplementation should be a consideration for children 6 months to 16 years of age on non-fluoridated community systems. The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics jointly established guidance of fluoride supplementation for children and the information is available on their respective websites.
“Prior to supplementation, the level of naturally occurring fluoride of the child’s primary drinking water must be determined. If the child is on a community water system, the local water system can provide the level of naturally occurring fluoride. The level of naturally occurring fluoride for citizens served by the DeKalb Water System averages 0.1 MG/L. If on a well system, the lcal water system or the Tennesee Department of Health and Environment and Conservation, Water Resources at 615-532-0625 can provide information concerning testing options available.
“Tooth decay or ‘dental caries’ is the most common infectious disease among our children and it is preventable.” The Tennessee Department of Health believes that a healthy smile is essential to both overall health and future economic opportunity for Tennessee’s precious children and looks forward to working with you toward that goal.”
