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Letters to the EditorsIt's ignorant to just reject fluoridation
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 20, 2001 Editor: With regard to the fluoridation in our water, I find it hard to understand the negative thoughts of the nurses who are county commissioners, and also the remark about how most of the water is flushed down the toilet. There is a very positive side to fluoride in water. First, the reduced dental costs for welfare and the reduced costs for dental plans because of the effect of fluorides should far outweigh the cost of infusing it into our water supply. I would think there would be more thought given to the idea of fluoridation, which is done in almost every state, than reasoning they cannot see a benefit to it because it only gets flushed down the toilet. Surely they have collected data and hard facts showing it is not beneficial. After all, we do have two nurses on the commission, and if anyone should know the benefits, they should. It is amazing this commission cannot see the benefit of fluoridation. Perhaps the American Dental Association can provide the hard facts. Have the commissioners searched for the numbers? What solid basis have they for being negative about something that has been successful in reducing tooth decay, gum disease and cavities, and is the major reason more people in their 60s and 70s still have their teeth? Since we all, and especially the county commissioners, are concerned about health care, why reject something that is beneficial to good oral hygiene, and that reduces costs of dental care for welfare and those who cannot afford dental care whether they are on welfare or are just low income? Most cannot afford dental care or pay for the coverage to protect their families. I urge you all to do a cost comparison and to survey counties on the success of the fluoridation program, as to the reduction of dental costs in their family programs. It is essential to the residents of our county that fluoridation be approved.
Share your viewsThe Hernando Times welcomes letters from readers for publication. Because of space limitations, letters should be of reasonable length. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length. All letters must be signed and must contain the writer's address and telephone number. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. Send your letter to Hernando Times, 161 E Jefferson St., Brooksville, FL 34601. Send letters by e-mail (in text only format) to hernando@sptimes.com.
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