Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) community water supplies have been fluoridated since 1973. Recently, regional anti-fluoridation advocates have mobilized to remove fluoride from community waters. Marin County Health and Human Services recognizes fluoridation as an evidence-based, safe and effective means to support oral health. Providers may get questions from patients about this issue. For the Public Health Officer letter of support for community water fluoridation as a public health “standard of care,” see below. For American Academy of Pediatrics patient information click here.
June 27, 2013
Mr. Larry Russell
Board President
Marin Municipal Water District
220 Nellen Avenue
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Dear Mr. Russell,
As the Public Health Officer for the County of Marin, I support community water fluoridation. As an advocate for the well being and highest attainable standard of health for every person in Marin, I recognize the importance of disease prevention. Water fluoridation helps prevent dental disease and gives everyone, especially children who may have limited access to care, a chance to thrive without pain and poor self-esteem from diseased teeth.
Every U.S. Surgeon General for the past 50 years has endorsed fluoridation of community water as a safe and effective means to prevent tooth decay. This year, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin endorsed community water fluoridation as "one of the most effective choices communities can make to prevent health problems while actually improving the oral health of their citizens." Dr. Benjamin wrote. "In fact, each generation born since the implementation of water fluoridation has enjoyed better dental health than the generation that preceded it."
Public health protections that are built into the environment, equally available to everyone, are more effective than those that require behavior change from each individual. Community water fluoridation is akin to advances in road safety, food safety, basic sanitation and the monitoring of water and air quality as public health interventions that offer built-in protections for all citizens.
Leading scientific and medical organizations have examined the evidence regarding community water fluoridation and have come out in support, including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Nurses Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, the Marin Medical Society, the Marin Oral Health Advisory Committee, and the Marin Dental Society join this list of informed supporters of community water fluoridation.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue for our community, and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide any additional support.
Sincerely,
Matthew Willis, MD MPH
Public Health Officer
County of Marin
Department of Health and Human Services
899 Northgate Dr, Suite 104
San Rafael, CA, 94903
415-473-4163 T
415-473-2326 F
mwillis@marincounty.org