Local water treatment officials are keeping the conversation around fluoridation alive, even after a bill to address it failed to pass last legislative session. House Bill 16 passed the House in February but failed to pass the Senate. The measure would have made water fluoridation optional for local governing bodies.
Morehead Mayor Laura White-Brown said the issue is one that people should keep themselves aware of.
“I think the bill; we’re already seeing some traction on the KLC legislative side that it’s going to have traction on the next session. I’d except it to come back up soon,” said White-Brown.
Holly McGrath-Rosas is the general manager of the Morehead Utility Plant Board. She said there are some misconceptions about fluoride.
“The fluoride that is in your water is not the fluoride that you get from the dentist. It’s hydrofluorosilicic acid which is a chemical byproduct for metal plating, and it is actually considered a hazardous waste until they found a place to put it in your water. They’re very different fluorides,” said McGrath-Rosas.
McGrath-Rosas said naturally occurring fluoride has a calcium base, which is what dentists use. According to the Centers for Disease Control, water fluoridation reduces cavities in children and adults by 25%. Community water fluoridation is not mandated by the federal government. Health organizations including the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and U.S. Public Health Service, recommend it for tooth health.