I urge the Naples City Council to continue water fluoridation to keep our community healthy
Dr. Alexis Diaczynsky | Collier County Dental Association
Tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease afflicting both children and adults across the globe. In light of this widespread health challenge, the Naples City Council is deliberating on the potential cessation of a proven and safe method designed to safeguard the dental well-being of our community.
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral found in sources such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, plays a critical role in dental health. However, the natural levels of fluoride in water are typically insufficient for effectively preventing tooth decay. To address this gap, the city of Naples enhances its water systems by adding fluoride to achieve a concentration of 0.7 mg/L. This specific level is scientifically validated to significantly lower the risk of cavities and is officially recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service. Extensive research indicates that access to fluoridated water can reduce tooth decay by as much as 25% for both adults and children alike.
Leading health organizations and scientific communities around the world firmly endorse the practice of water fluoridation. Esteemed institutions such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, Florida Dental Association, American Dental Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians all support this initiative. Notably, the U.S. Department of Defense advocates for fluoridation as well, citing its positive impact on military readiness through the maintenance of healthier dental conditions among enlisted personnel.
Recent studies, although they surfaced claims regarding reduced IQ levels in children whose mothers consumed fluoridated water, have been criticized for their flawed methodologies. Many of these studies found their way into health journals lacking rigorous peer review processes which diminishes their credibility. Opponents of fluoridation have misrepresented these findings to suggest an association between fluoridated water and IQ impacts, despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
In stark contrast, high-quality studies conducted in Australia, New Zealand, and Spain demonstrate no significant association between the consumption of fluoridated water during pregnancy and any alterations in children’s IQ levels. The American Academy of Pediatrics has thoroughly reviewed these studies along with thousands of others, reinforcing their stance on water fluoridation as a vital tool for decay prevention with no recognized negative health outcomes.
Attempts to suggest alternatives to water fluoridation fall short, as nothing can replicate its extensive benefits. While some residents express objections for various reasons, it is fundamentally unethical to restrict access to fluoridated water for the larger community due to the preferences of a few. For those seeking alternatives, purchasing an NSF International Certified reverse osmosis unit is an option, as it can effectively remove nearly 97% of fluoride from drinking water.
Water fluoridation offers widespread community advantages by ensuring everyone receives the appropriate fluoride dosage without necessitating any changes to their daily habits. Notably, fluoridation not only serves as a preventative measure but also translates into an average savings of $32 per person annually by minimizing the risk of cavities.
For individuals unable to afford regular dental visits, water fluoridation may represent their only means of preventive dental care. While fluoride toothpaste is beneficial, it is important to understand that both fluoridated water and toothpaste are essential for achieving optimum dental health; they complement one another and work synergistically to enhance decay prevention efforts.
Since its introduction in 1957, water fluoridation has significantly improved the oral health of all Napolians, transcending age, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and educational background. We must not disregard this effective public health strategy; rather, we should continue our commitment to enhancing the health of our entire community through the sustenance of water fluoridation.
The mouth serves as the entry point to the human body. An unhealthy mouth can lead to complications and challenges that extend beyond dental concerns, impacting overall health. I fervently urge the Naples City Council to uphold water fluoridation practices as a means of preserving the health of our community.
Visit floridafluoridation.org to learn more about water fluoridation.
A Naples native, Dr. Alexis Diaczynsky is a general dentist at Fantastic Dental Arts in Naples. She is the most recent past president of the Collier County Dental Association, and a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, and West Coast District Dental Association.
Interview with Dr. Alexis Diaczynsky of the Collier County Dental Association on Water Fluoridation in Naples
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Diaczynsky. The Naples City Council is considering discontinuing water fluoridation. Could you summarize why you believe it’s vital to continue this practice?
Dr. Diaczynsky: Thank you for having me. Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease affecting both children and adults worldwide. By discontinuing water fluoridation, we risk increasing the incidence of cavities in our community, which is an easily preventable issue. The scientifically recommended level of fluoride in our water—0.7 mg/L—has been shown to effectively reduce tooth decay by about 25%.
Interviewer: What evidence do you have that supports the safety and effectiveness of fluoridated water?
Dr. Diaczynsky: Numerous health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC, endorse water fluoridation as a safe and effective public health measure. They’ve reviewed extensive research, confirming that fluoridated water significantly contributes to oral health without having any recognized negative health outcomes.
Interviewer: Recently, there have been claims suggesting a link between fluoridated water and reduced IQ levels in children. How do you address those concerns?
Dr. Diaczynsky: Those studies have been widely criticized for their methodology and lack of rigorous peer review. In contrast, high-quality studies from countries like Australia and Spain have found no significant association between fluoridated water and children’s IQ levels. The prevailing evidence, including comprehensive reviews by leading health organizations, supports the safety of fluoridation.
Interviewer: Some residents oppose water fluoridation for various reasons. How would you respond to their concerns?
Dr. Diaczynsky: It’s important to acknowledge their concerns, but we also have to consider public health as a whole. Restricting access to fluoridated water for the majority based on the preferences of a few is ethically problematic. For those who desire alternatives, options like purchasing NSF-certified reverse osmosis systems are available, which can remove fluoride.
Interviewer: In your opinion, what would be the broader consequences of the city deciding to stop fluoridation?
Dr. Diaczynsky: If Naples were to discontinue fluoridation, we would likely see an increase in tooth decay rates, especially among vulnerable populations. This could lead to greater healthcare costs and a decline in overall community health. It’s essential to prioritize preventive measures, and fluoridation is a proven method to support oral health for everyone.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Diaczynsky, for sharing your insights on this crucial issue. Your perspective is vital as the city council deliberates on the future of water fluoridation in Naples.
Dr. Diaczynsky: Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. I hope our community continues to prioritize health and well-being through evidence-based practices like fluoride in our water.
Dr. Diaczynsky: While it’s understandable that some residents have concerns, it’s essential to recognize that water fluoridation benefits the entire community. Limiting access to fluoridated water based on preferences of a few is fundamentally unfair and unethical. Alternatives, such as reverse osmosis systems, exist for those who wish to avoid fluoride, but the majority should not be deprived of this critical health resource. The data consistently shows that fluoridation provides significant dental protection, especially for those who may not have regular access to dental care. It’s a public health measure that deserves our continued support.
Interviewer: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to the Naples City Council regarding fluoride in water?
Dr. Diaczynsky: I urge the council to uphold water fluoridation in our community. It has been a successful public health strategy since 1957, benefiting people of all ages and backgrounds. By maintaining this practice, we can continue to ensure that we’re promoting optimal dental health for everyone, making a significant difference in reducing cavities and enhancing overall well-being.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Diaczynsky, for sharing your insights on this critical public health issue.
Dr. Diaczynsky: Thank you for having me. It’s important for communities to engage in conversations about health initiatives like this, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.
