ADA trustee urges states to keep fluoride in water
In a video interview with CNN, Brendan Dowd, D.D.S., clinical assistant professor at the University of Buffalo and 2nd District trustee on the ADA board of trustees, discussed changes in oral health among patients residing in areas where community water fluoridation has been discontinued. Following legislation adopted in Utah that banned water fluoridation, several other states are also considering statewide bans.
Dr. Dowd emphasized that ceasing community water fluoridation has been shown to elevate rates of dental decay among children, particularly lower-income individuals.
“I look at it as a health equity issue. Cavities can be taken care of with fillings, but sometimes as they get worse, they turn into infections, [and] sometimes they end up in the hospital. So, it can get very serious very quickly,” Dr. Dowd underscored.
Public health officials advised residents to be proactive about adding fluoride into their daily routines via other means now that they no longer have access to fluoride through their tap water.
Watch more: CNN
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