The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists fluoridation of drinking water as one of 10 great public health interventions of the 20th century because it led to a dramatic decline in cavities after community water fluoridation began.
In 1945, Grand Rapids became the first city to add fluoride to its drinking water supply. In 1962, the U.S. Public Health Service officially recommended adding fluoride to local water to prevent decay.
Now, the city of Ridgeland is taking steps to explore whether fluoridation of its drinking water should continue. Other cities in the state have already done that.
Wondering why?
The reason, according to Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee, is that Ridgeland and almost all Mississippi cities have experienced a temporary shortage of sodium fluoride, the most widely used fluoride additive in the state.
“For more than three years, fluoride wasn’t available to purchase from our suppliers due to supply chain issues caused by the covid-19 pandemic,” McGee said. “Only recently has the supply become available at levels enough to maintain a constant supply.”
The city expects to save an initial cost of $160,000 to $200,000 and about $60,000 annually for the chemical, maintenance, repairs and monitoring as a minimum, he said..
The city of Madison no longer adds fluoride to its drinking water, said Pete Vozzo, senior director of operations for the city of Madison. “We made the change in a board resolution earlier this year.” Madison initially had trouble getting fluoride during covid, he said.
“Several states have banned it,” according to Vozzo. “Most municipalities are going away from it.”
JXN Water currently adds fluoride to the city of Jackson’s drinking water, said Aisha Carson, a spokesperson for JXN Water.
The Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) encourages the use of fluoride based on its proven benefits, said Greg Flynn, director of external affairs for the department.
Ridgeland has worked with the department of health to maintain water quality compliance, he said.
The Ridgeland Board of Aldermen voted earlier this month to notify the department of health that it is interested in exploring whether community water fluoridation should continue.
“This initial step does nothing more than open the door for learning and discussion,” McGee said. “Our public works director has spent the past four years examining this topic and has heard a wide range of views. Beginning this phase will help ensure that the MSDH can provide education to city officials so a decision can be made to initiate step two of the consideration process.”
If the aldermen decide to take the second step, the board will schedule a public hearing, open a period for public comments and gather comments so residents can participate in the decision to continue community water fluoridation or not.
A date for a public hearing has not been set.
“As always, our priority is the safety of our community and giving thoughtful consideration to those who may be affected by any future decision,” “This process is expected to take three to six months at the maximum.”
In recent years, the percentage of Mississippi residents who receive optimally fluoridated water has been dropping, despite fluoridation techniques that make it easier for rural water systems to fluoridate, according to MSDH.
The department’s oral health plan has a goal to increase the percentage of Mississippi residents who receive optimally fluoridated water. Given the current climate, it will be a challenging goal to accomplish. Recent Federal administrative changes as well as recent Federal reports and rulings will likely continue to drive the narrative around community water fluoridation, MSDH material stated
Jackie Alexander, a Ridgeland resident and dental hygienist for 44 years, said she personally would not have a problem with the discontinuation of community water fluoridation.
“It’s most beneficial for kids when their teeth are developing,” she said.
Education and improved oral hygiene have contributed to reducing tooth decay through the years, she said.
Alexander said a few of her patients will request that she use a paste that doesn’t contain fluoride when she cleans their teeth. “People who don’t want fluoride, don’t want it,” she said.
