Support Fluoridation of Santa Clara County
by Marty Fenstersheib, MD, MPH, Health Officer, Santa Clara County
There is immediate action you can take today to improve the health of children living in this County — educate yourself, your family and colleagues about the proven health benefits of water fluoridation and voice your support for fluoridation in our community.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists fluoridation as one of the top ten greatest public health achievements of this century, San Jose — the birthplace of innovation and achievement—remains the largest city in the United States without fluoridated water. And it shows.
One in three kindergarteners in our community has untreated decay. Dental disease remains the leading cause of school absences for young children.
Historically, Silicon Valley hasn’t taken the initiative to raise funds needed to fluoridate our relatively complex water supply. But last year, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisor’s President Liz Kniss announced her goal of fluoridating Santa Clara County water within five years. The Public Health Department, the Health Trust, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, and dozens of committed community leaders heeded her call and the effort is now underway.
Whether you are a community leader, an advocate, or a health professional, you can play a valuable role just by voicing support for fluoride as a safe and cost-effective solution to improving oral health. Speak with your patients, clients, neighbors and colleagues about the benefits of this important public health measure. And let your local elected officials and policymakers know that Santa Clara County needs these proven benefits.
Remind them that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) tells us water fluoridation reduces tooth decay 18% to 40%. Water fluoridation plays a protective role against tooth decay throughout life.
Despite unwavering endorsements from the CDC, the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, and the last five U.S. Surgeon Generals, there are still individuals who doubt fluoride’s safety and effectiveness. In the past, small but vocal groups of naysayers have mobilized in other parts of the county to dissuade the public through scare tactics. It is important for all of us to learn the truth about fluoride — fluoride is safe, cost effective, and long overdue.
Public health has traditionally worked to prevent disease, prolong life and promote health through organized efforts. As the Health Officer for Santa Clara County, it is my job to inform the community about these choices and support efforts that will benefit the public’s health. Given the concerning trends we see in oral health and the advantages of fluoridation, I know our community should not wait any longer.
Health professionals and residents of Santa Clara County should publicly express their support and endorse fluoridation at www.healthtrust.org/oralhealth.
There is immediate action you can take today to improve the health of children living in this County — educate yourself, your family and colleagues about the proven health benefits of water fluoridation and voice your support for fluoridation in our community.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists fluoridation as one of the top ten greatest public health achievements of this century, San Jose — the birthplace of innovation and achievement—remains the largest city in the United States without fluoridated water. And it shows.
One in three kindergarteners in our community has untreated decay. Dental disease remains the leading cause of school absences for young children.
Historically, Silicon Valley hasn’t taken the initiative to raise funds needed to fluoridate our relatively complex water supply. But last year, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisor’s President Liz Kniss announced her goal of fluoridating Santa Clara County water within five years. The Public Health Department, the Health Trust, FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, and dozens of committed community leaders heeded her call and the effort is now underway.
Whether you are a community leader, an advocate, or a health professional, you can play a valuable role just by voicing support for fluoride as a safe and cost-effective solution to improving oral health. Speak with your patients, clients, neighbors and colleagues about the benefits of this important public health measure. And let your local elected officials and policymakers know that Santa Clara County needs these proven benefits.
Remind them that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) tells us water fluoridation reduces tooth decay 18% to 40%. Water fluoridation plays a protective role against tooth decay throughout life.
Despite unwavering endorsements from the CDC, the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, and the last five U.S. Surgeon Generals, there are still individuals who doubt fluoride’s safety and effectiveness. In the past, small but vocal groups of naysayers have mobilized in other parts of the county to dissuade the public through scare tactics. It is important for all of us to learn the truth about fluoride — fluoride is safe, cost effective, and long overdue.
Public health has traditionally worked to prevent disease, prolong life and promote health through organized efforts. As the Health Officer for Santa Clara County, it is my job to inform the community about these choices and support efforts that will benefit the public’s health. Given the concerning trends we see in oral health and the advantages of fluoridation, I know our community should not wait any longer.
Health professionals and residents of Santa Clara County should publicly express their support and endorse fluoridation at www.healthtrust.org/oralhealth.