Re: Utilities commission recommends city council stop fluoridating water, requests more information so city can have full debate, blog by Beatrice Fantoni, March 1.

The Ontario Dental Association was disappointed by the decision of the Windsor Utilities Commission to recommend that fluoride be removed from Windsor’s drinking water. The safety and benefit of community water fluoridation are supported by the best and most current science.

Following the decision by the water utilities committee to refer the question of community water fluoridation to council for review, I would like to encourage the council to seek the advice of Health Canada, the chief medical officer of health for Ontario, other public-health specialists and leading scientific experts from universities across Ontario, as well as other jurisdictions.

I would also encourage the council to review documents and science presented by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the countless number of legitimate research institutions around the world who believe that community water fluoridation in the appropriate amount is not only safe – but the right thing to do.

Removing fluoride from the water is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Ending community water fluoridation could have profound consequences for many in the community; in particular, children, and many adults, including the elderly and those facing serious illnesses such as cancer would be negatively impacted by such a decision.

Taxpayers and governments who pay for various social assistance dental programs – which provide dental services to many who require extensive oral health care services – will be negatively affected by treatment costs that will escalate.

Following the debate in and around Windsor has reminded me of why I am so proud to be a dentist in Ontario. Dentists have been actively engaged in this issue from the outset, and have appeared before councils and committees solely because they care about the health of their patients and their community.

DR. HARRY HOEDIONO, president, Ontario Dental Association, Toronto
LETTER TITLED: “Removing fluoride unwise, costly”

Print PDF