By John Q. Hosedrinker Collier County commissioners have made a decision that is sure to have a detrimental impact on the oral health of its residents. They have voted to remove fluoride from the water supply, a move that is not only short-sighted but also harmful to the most vulnerable members of our community.
Fluoride has long been recognized as a critical element in oral health. It strengthens enamel and can even reverse microscopic damage to our teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends fluoride for children who don’t have access to fluoridated water, but unfortunately, obtaining fluoride supplements can be difficult for low-income families due to various barriers. By removing fluoride from the water, the county is essentially imposing another tax on the working class, under the guise of “more freedom.”
The arguments against fluoride are often misguided and lack scientific basis. Some question its benefits, asking if it sterilizes or purifies anything other than oral health. But let’s remember that fluoride’s primary purpose is to support oral health, something that has been proven time and time again. It’s not meant to sterilize or purify anything else. Comparing it to car tires or asking for proof of its effects beyond oral health is simply missing the point.
It’s worth noting that there are different types of fluoride, and the one used in drinking water is not the same as the one found in rat poison. The positive effects of fluoride were discovered because it occurs naturally in some drinking water sources, and those areas had significantly better dental health compared to others. While it’s true that large doses of fluoride can be harmful, the amount added to toothpaste and drinking water is minuscule and poses minimal risk.
There are conflicting studies that suggest the long-term effects of fluoride from toothpaste may be harmful. However, there are also studies that disprove this correlation. It’s a complex issue without any clear answers, but based on current research and data, the benefits of fluoride for oral health outweigh the potential risks.
Removing fluoride from the water supply is a short-sighted decision that will have long-lasting consequences. Dental problems are a serious issue, and without fluoride, we can expect to see an increase in cavities and other oral health issues, especially among the most vulnerable members of our community.
It is disheartening to witness the rejection of science and evidence-based practices in our society. It’s even more disheartening when these decisions are made by elected officials who are supposed to represent our best interests. This move by the Collier County commissioners is just one example of the erosion of critical thinking and the prioritization of misguided ideologies over the well-being of our communities.
We must remember that oral health is not a luxury; it is a basic necessity. Access to fluoride is vital for the prevention of dental issues, particularly for those who may not have the means to access other forms of dental care. By removing fluoride from the water, we are effectively leaving our most vulnerable community members behind.
As a society, we should be focusing on ways to improve access to quality dental care, not taking steps backward. Tooth decay and other oral health issues can have a profound impact on a person’s overall well-being and quality of life. By removing the fluoride from the water, the Collier County commissioners are setting their residents up for a lifetime of dental problems.
It’s disheartening to see such a decision in a country that once put a man on the moon. We must do better. We must prioritize the well-being of our communities and make decisions based on evidence and scientific research. Our oral health depends on it.