Health officials from across the state of Tennessee gathered in the town of Mountain City to give their expert advice on a resolution that would remove fluoride from the town’s water supply.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that – since the 50s – has been added to community water supplies to help fight tooth decay.
Dr. Crystal Manners is the state dental director for the Tennessee Department of Health.
“Community water fluoridation is both safe and effective and it benefits everyone,” she said.
She travelled from Nashville to speak to the Mountain City Board of Mayor and Alderman about the issue.
She joins a group of state and regional health leaders including Tennessee Dental Association President Allen Burleson in advocating the town continue water fluoridation.
“It’s important that we help support the health of our children, especially those that are disadvantaged and at riskwhen you see a child that’s got an abscess and their face is swollen up like a grapefruit, it tears at your heart,” Burleson said.
Only one resident spoke at the meeting in-favor of removing fluoride, saying he doesn’t believe it’s needed.
When it came down to a vote on the first reading, Mountain City Mayor Jerry Jordan and Vice Mayor Celeste Dunn were the only two ‘yes’ votes.
“We have had a lot of people that want it taken out,” Jordan said.
He says, his decision came down to cost. Jordan says the Cold Springs Utility, which merged with the town last September, doesn’t supply fluoride and to add that, would cost the town between $30,000-50,000.
“I know there’s a benefit of having fluoride in the water[but] people don’t have a choice. We’ve got fluoride in the water; they don’t have a choice if they want it out [or not],” Jordan said.
The second reading of the resolution will be July 1st.
Original article online at: https://wcyb.com/news/local/health-officials-urge-caution-as-mountain-city-looks-at-discontinuing-fluoridation