Concern over commissioners’ decision to stop water fluoridation

It is with dismay that I read the Carroll County commissioners have decided to discontinue adding low levels of fluoride to the county water system.

Fluoride is important to the dental health of children age 6 and younger. Community water fluoridation has been used for more than 80 years and remains one of the most efficient ways to ensure children receive this protection.

While fluoride does not provide the same benefit after permanent teeth have formed, it does not harm those who are drinking treated water.

It is naive to believe every child in our county has dental insurance, visits the dentist regularly and has parents who can afford fluoride treatments every six months.

I believe the county can afford $3,500 per year out of an $18 million operating budget, especially since this is not a new expense.

I urge the commissioners to reconsider. The county may save money, but the resulting physical misery and increased health care costs, which do not come out of the county’s pocket, will be significant.

For more information, see the American Dental Association press release, “Removal of Fluoride from Water Will Cost Billions and Deteriorate Oral Health” at www.ada.org/about/press-releases/removal-of-fluoride-from-water-will-cost-billions-and-deteriorate-oral-health.

Carol Scandridge

Carrollton