There is no credible evidence that adding fluoride to drinking water is harmful or contributes to the concentration of fluoride in the waterways, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Allen Heimann told Amherstburg council Monday.

There has been recent concern that since fluoride is available in many over-the-counter products like toothpaste, municipalities don’t need to add fluoride to the water.

Also, some residents say that fluoride is toxic and shouldn’t be added to the water.

Lakeshore recently ceased adding it to drinking water and the Essex County environment committee has asked municipalities to rethink using it.

Heimann said fluoridation is the most economical way to keep teeth healthy.

For every $1 invested, $38 is saved in future dental costs, he said.

He said 33 per cent of area residents don’t have dental insurance and the numbers are especially high in the immigrant community.

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