The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) is encouraging Sarnia City Council to continue the practice of water fluoridation.
Council asked Lambton's Medical Officer of Health to review a presentation made to them November 14, on the discontinuation of fluoride in our drinking water, and look for discrepancies.
President Gerry Cool say evidence demonstrates water fluoridation is safe and the most efficient means of achieving community-wide exposure to the cavity prevention effects.
"Fluoride is a mineral that naturally exists in water supplies, but usually at a concentration that's too low to prevent tooth decay," says Cool. "In many communities in Canada, such as Sarnia, the amount of fluoride in the water is monitored and then brought up to a safe level that benefits tooth development and strengthens the tooth."
CDHA represents more than 28,000 registered dental hygienists working in Canada, including over 40 members in Sarnia-Lambton.
Sarnia council went on the record in 2013 supporting its removal from our drinking water.
But, the 5-4 recorded vote didn't change the outcome, because legally four out of the six Lambton Area Water Supply System member municipalities had to vote against fluoridation to have it removed and other municipalities didn't agree, so it remained.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said at the November 14 meeting that he plans to serve notice of motion that the question be put on the ballot.
He says since the public decided to put fluoride into the water, they should decide if its taken out.
