Dental Society urges continued use of fluoride

TO THE EDITOR:

This letter is directed to the residents of Valdese and to the members of its Town Council.

I am writing to share the position of the North Carolina Dental Society (NCDS) regarding community water fluoridation (CWF) and to express strong support for its continued use in Valdese as a vital public health measure.

The NCDS, representing nearly 4,000 dentists across North Carolina, affirms that community water fluoridation is a safe, effective, and equitable method for preventing tooth decay in both children and adults.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in well water throughout North Carolina, and more than a century of scientific research has demonstrated that optimally fluoridated water significantly improves oral health outcomes.

Public health officials in North Carolina began adjusting fluoride levels in community water systems in 1949 to maximize these benefits. Communities with fluoridated water experience 25%–30% fewer cavities across all age groups, along with reduced severity of dental disease.

Community water fluoridation involves adjusting fluoride levels to 0.7 parts per million, an amount comparable to 70 cents in one million dollars, yet it provides substantial lifelong benefits.

At this safe and precise level, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, helps repair

early decay and reduces the need for costly dental treatments.

Importantly, community water fluoridation remains one of the most effective, affordable, and inclusive strategies for improving oral health.

It is especially beneficial for children, seniors, and underserved populations who may have limited access to dental care.

For these reasons, the North Carolina Dental Society fully supports the continued use of community water fluoridation as a cornerstone of preventive public health.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this important public health issue. Please feel free to contact me if you would like any additional information.

Dr. SHELLY OLSON

President, North Carolina Dental Society