BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Central Alabama Water board has voted to stop adding fluoride to its drinking water, prompting concern from local health experts who say the decision could negatively impact dental health.
Dentists and public health officials in Jefferson County say fluoride in drinking water provides consistent protection against tooth decay, especially for children and people with limited access to dental care.
“Tooth decay is one of the main concerns,” said Dr. David Hicks, health officer for the Jefferson County Health Department.
Hicks pointed to historical trends before fluoridation began in the county.
“Before the water systems were fluoridated in Jefferson County, and we are talking about before 1982, we saw a significant amount of tooth decay in children,” he said.
Water board members said they did not make the decision lightly and noted fluoride is widely available in toothpaste and mouthwash. However, Hicks said those products may not provide enough protection on their own.
“It doesn’t give a continual amount of protection,” Hicks said. “If you may not have the best access to a dental provider or you may not have the means, fluoridated toothpaste is not good enough.”
According to the Jefferson County Health Department, tooth decay can lead to cavities and other health complications if left untreated.
Dr. Thomas Dudney, a local dentist, said fluoridated water has a long track record in the United States and is backed by extensive research.
“The United States first fluoridated water in 1945, so it’s been around a long time, a little over 80 years,” Dudney said. “There are numerous studies that have proven the efficacy of fluoridated water, especially for children. In lower socioeconomic areas that don’t have access to dental care, decay rates are down significantly with fluoridated water.”
State Rep. Patrick Sellers has urged the board to reconsider. In a letter to officials, he called community water fluoridation a safe and effective public health measure.
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