A doctor’s opinion

I am writing in support of the City Council approving community water fluoridation.

As a physician who cares for the underserved in our community, I see first hand the impacts that tooth decay has on my patients. The inability to access appropriate nutrition is worsened by loss of teeth that they cannot afford to repair or replace. This decay starts when children’s teeth are developing. This is the time when we have a community opportunity to protect them with water fluoridation.

The ability of tiny amounts of fluoride in the water helping to protect teeth was discovered by this mineral occurring naturally in some areas. If we can replicate that in a way that has been done in other communities for decades, why wouldn’t we protect the oral health of our community?

It is well past the time for Spokane to join the 73 percent of communities who have adequate water fluoridation in the U.S. Until we do so, we increase the divide of wealth and poverty. Those with money can afford the dental care needed to repair cavities and decay, but those without must live with The negative health and societal effects of this preventable condition - tooth decay.

Deborah Wiser, M.D.

Spokane