Simcoe, ON – The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is speaking out to Tottenham politicians who are considering removing fluoride from their water by urging them to get the facts from informed medical experts.

“Water fluoridation is safe and helps prevent tooth decay – it’s just that simple,” says Dr. Gerald Ross, President of the Muskoka-Simcoe Dental Society. “I see it in my office all the time – water fluoridation is something kids need from a very early age. Adults need it too. It’s preventative care that will help for life.”

In a Special Report entitled Tooth Decay in Ontario’s Children: An Ounce of Prevention – A Pound of Cure, launched by the ODA in November of last year, a group of experts from around the world agreed that water fluoridation is essential in preventative care.

ODA President, Dr. Larry Levin will be in Alliston and Tottenham today to present the benefits of fluoride to local council, before their vote next week.

“To remove water fluoridation from Tottenham would be a tremendous step backward,” says ODA President Dr. Larry Levin. “Kids need all the help they can get in life – and we owe it to each and every one of them to ensure that they get this kind of preventative care.”

Earlier this year, the local health authority for the Simcoe-Muskoka region issued a report that showed more than half of children aged seven to nine in the Simcoe-Muskoka region have tooth decay – among the worst ratings in the province.

Within the last few months alone – councils for Hamilton, Calgary, Halton and Haldimand-Norfolk have all examined this issue and have voted to continue fluoridating their public water supplies. In the latter’s case a report was drafted by a recognized health expert Dr. Malcolm Lock, acting Medical Officer of Health for the Haldimand-Norfolk Heath Unit, recognized the overwhelming benefits of fluoridation, including its cost-effectiveness in preventing tooth decay.

Other international experts agree with the ODA on water fluoridation:

• The Health Canada Website of the Office of the Chief Dental Officer reports:
Experts confirm the benefits of fluoride for dental health.

• The Canadian Dental Association states:
“CDA supports fluoridation of municipal drinking water as a safe, effective and economical means of preventing dental caries (cavities) in all age groups.”

• Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia states:
“The CDC has recognized the fluoridation of drinking water to prevent dental decay as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.”

• The U.S. Surgeon General states:
“Community water fluoridation continues to be the most cost-effective, equitable and safe means to provide protection from tooth decay in a community.”

• The World Health Organization (WHO) states:
“That universal access to fluoride for dental health is a part of the basic human right to life.

“The ODA is saying to the public and politicians of Tottenham and the surrounding Simcoe area that it’s time to stand up for water fluoridation – it’s important to your town, your city, your family and your dentist,” says Dr.Levin. “It’s essential to both your oral health and your overall health. If you have questions about water fluoridation, please speak to your dentist today.”

For Further Information
Rui Manuel Estevão,
Public Affairs & Communications,
Ontario Dental Association
Tel: 416-355-2278,

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