Health officials are advising parents with small children of high fluoride levels found in Ridgetown's municipal water supply.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit issued a media released late Wednesday afternoon, stating that the level of naturally occurring fluoride in Ridgetown's water is 1.5 parts per million, which is higher than the Maximum Allowable Concentration.
Parents of small children are advised to reduce their child’s exposure to fluoride as much as possible.
According to the release, children who do not have their permanent teeth and are drinking water with high levels of fluoride may develop dental fluorosis, which causes spots or discolouring of the teeth.
Residents in Ridgetown who are concerned about fluoride exposure for their children are encouraged to consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. Other recommendations provided by the health unit include using non-fluoridated toothpaste and avoiding certain mouthwashes or fluoride supplements.