Fircrest Votes for the Public Health Benefits of Fluoridation

Posted & filed under Communities Supporting Fluoride.

Drinking WaterOn August 12, the Fircrest, Washington City Council voted down an ordinance that would have stopped the city’s 57-year practice of community water fluoridation. Fluoride proponents in the community, including residents, doctors, dentists and representatives from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, have presented officials with information about the public health benefits of fluoridated water.

They cite studies that show the health benefits including reducing tooth decay and other oral health problems that come from a lack of nutrition and proper oral hygiene. They also note the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements in the 20th century. Washington state health officials also support the practice. Dr Jeffrey Camm, a pediatric dentist in Fircrest, told the council Tuesday that in his 40 years of practice he’s “seen nothing to convince me” that fluoridated water is harmful to public health.

The city delivers water to more than 6,000 residents that will continue to see the benefits of community water fluoridation.