DOVER, N.H. — The city of Dover has stopped adding fluoride to its water because of supply issues, officials said.City officials said they’re taking what’s expected to be a temporary measure, and they don’t expect it to become a dental health issue.

“We are seeing unprecedented times across the board with material shortages,” said John Storer, Dover director of community services.

Each municipality in New Hampshire determines fluoridation programs, and Dover is among a handful of communities that adds fluoride to its water supply. It’s not required for safe drinking water, but it does provide dental health benefits.

The American Fluoridation Society calls community water fluoridation the greatest public health measure for preventing cavities. Local pediatric dentist Dr. Nina Casaverde said a brief shortage should be OK.

“I wouldn’t be overly concerned,” she said. “I think in the past this has happened before, where there hasn’t been access to fluoride and it has been temporarily withdrawn from the water.”

Casaverde said her office is not experiencing any shortages, and people with concerns should reach out to their dentist or family physician. There are also ways to ensure your teeth stay healthy at home.

“Fluoridated toothpastes, fluoridated mouthwash are the best ways you can keep your teeth healthy and keep those smiles healthy,” Casaverde said.

As for when supply will be restored in Dover, Storer said it’s anyone’s guess.

“I think probably on a monthly basis we’ll try to get a status update to see how long this is going to occur,” he said. “We really don’t know right now.”

There are no other public reports of shortages by the other New Hampshire communities that fluoridate their water.

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*Original article online at https://www.wmur.com/article/supply-issues-dover-fluoridation-water-system/40533515