SANTA FE, N.M. —
Santa Fe officials have decided to stop adding fluoride to the city’s water supply due to levels exceeding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended 0.7 parts per million, with current levels ranging between 0.8 and 1.2 parts per million.
“We estimate on the order of $400,000 to $600,000 of capital investment would be needed to bring us into the ability to accurately dose,” said Jesse Roach, city of Santa Fe utilities director.
Officials are reassuring people that they will continue to monitor and report fluoride levels, but will not add additional fluoride at this time.
Dental experts are concerned about the potential impact on community dental health. Tom Schripsema, executive director of the New Mexico Dental Association, emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal fluoride levels to prevent dental issues.
“The fact of the matter is that, at optimal levels, that [fluoride] continues to be safe and effective,” Schripsema said.
He warned that without proper fluoride maintenance, people might experience more cavities and dental issues.
Roach noted the city’s water already contains “nearly optimal” levels of naturally occurring fluoride, which will be around 0.3-0.6 parts per million (ppm). Despite the levels not being far off from CDC recommendations (0.7), dental experts plan to monitor dental health closely following the ordinance’s implementation.
“We’re concerned that that’s going to result in more dental disease as a result of not necessarily having the water at optimal levels anymore,” Schripsema said.
Original article online at: https://www.koat.com/article/dental-experts-share-concerns-over-santa-fe-fluoride-ordinance/69160009