Community Water Fluoridation
“Tooth decay is the most common infectious disease among our children and it is preventable. Good oral health can heighten self-esteem, affect social interactions, impact learning success, reduce medical costs and enhance employability. Community water fluoridation is the most natural and cost-effective means of protecting residents in a community from tooth decay. Fluoride is naturally present in all water; water fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride to a recommended level for preventing tooth decay.
Published studies demonstrate that discontinuation of water fluoridation results in higher tooth decay levels and increased treatment costs. Surveys including those conducted here in Tennessee have also revealed that underserved populations, like those who qualify for TennCare, experience disproportionately higher levels of dental disease than the general population and significant increases in dental treatment costs to the state.
Seventy-two years of intensive scientific research and experience with water fluoridation in the United States and sixty-six years in Tennessee have proven community water fluoridation is safe and effective.” Commissioner John J. Dreyzehner, MD, MPH
The Division of Water Resources of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation provides technical expertise, monitoring and surveillance of fluoridating communities to ensure that the fluoride content of the water supply is maintained at an optimal level.
Situated in the center of Tennessee, the Fleming Training Center (FTC) offers training, certification and technical assistance to water and wastewater systems and personnel throughout Tennessee. FTC is located at 2022 Blanton Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37219, (615) 898-8090, fax (615) 898-8064. The hours of operation are weekdays from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Visit the Fleming Training Center by clicking here.
For additional resources on the benefits of community water fluoridation visit the following sites:
The American Dental Association (ADA)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Herald & Tribune Letter To The Editor
Two sisters weigh in on fluoride letter to the editor by Grace Marie Argueta and Caroline Argueta published August 9, 2017.
Jonesborough’s 20 year history of providing a public health measure will continue.
Among the “Top Stories of 2017 of the Herald & Tribune – Jonesborough, Tennessee -
Is this article, published in the Herald & Tribune titled, “BMA reverses fluoride decision in 4-0 vote”. The Town of Jonesborough’s decision in early 2017 to discontinue the addition of fluoride to its drinking water was reversed at the August 14, 2017 meeting.
The Tennessee Department of Health Community Water Fluoridation brochure provides information about the more than 70 years of research of this proven public health measure.
Visit the American Dental Association, 5 Reasons to Fluoridate by clicking here.
The ADA News (3/9, Manchir) reported that the updated 2018 edition of "Fluoridation Facts" is now available. The 114-page publication, compiled by the ADA's National Fluoridation Advisory Committee, is "the ADA's premier resource on fluoridation," providing "the latest scientific information about the benefits and safety of water fluoridation." The book features "information on fluoridation's cost-effectiveness, role in public health policy and the practice of fluoridating community water supplies," and it also includes "evidence-based responses to challenges put forth by groups opposed to fluoridation, 10 question-and-answer segments and more than 400 references." Dr. Howard Pollick, a member of the ADA National Fluoridation Advisory Committee, said, "'Fluoridation Facts' is the go-to resource on community water fluoridation for all members of the dental profession, as well as policymakers at the local, state and national level."
"Fluoridation Facts" is available in print (J120) or as an eBook(J120T) or as a bundle (J120BT) of the two.
For more information about fluoride and the ADA's advocacy efforts on fluoridation, visit ADA.org/fluoride. Dental professionals can also point their patients to the ADA's consumer website, MouthHealthy.org, for information about fluoride and fluoridation. In addition, JADA For the Patient includes the article, Drink up! Fluoridated water helps fight decay.