Fluoride is safe

More than 60 years ago Grand Rapids, Mich. became the first American community to fluoridate its public source of water. Hundreds of subsequent scientific articles have determined that optimally fluoridated water is the single most effective public health measure to prevent dental decay.

Studies show that the incidences of childhood and adult cavities decrease 20 to 40 percent in areas of optimally fluoridated water. Studies also clearly show that children with decayed teeth face considerably more dental problems as adults than those children who don't have early dental problems.

Fluoride has consistently been shown to help children- - the segment of our population most in need of fluoridated water.

Any element or chemical, even water, can be toxic at certain levels. I've yet to hear any outcry regarding the placement of iodine in salt, vitamin D in milk, or vitamin C in orange juice, yet these items can be lethal in excessive levels but are absolutely safe and beneficial as an additive in these very popular items.

In this day of instant information it's all too easy to be misinformed yet just as easy to get proper and correct data. It never ceases to amaze me that even after professional peer reviewed journals publish article after article showing the safety of optimally fluoridate water people still spend the time and energy trying to refute sound public health policy.

It seems to me that these parents would be better off putting their efforts into maintaining a healthy diet minimizing the consumption of cavity causing items, not fighting the consumption of cavity fighting water. Milton Zweig, DDS Newbury Park