Portland to Fluoridate its Water

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends and supports community water fluoridation as one of the most efficient, cost-effective methods for controlling tooth decay. Portland, one of the last major cities to not fluoridate its water supply, will now begin to adjust its water supply to optimal fluoride levels because of action taken this week by the Portland City Council. Here's an article about the action from The Denver Post:

PORTLAND, Ore.—The City Council approved a plan Wednesday to add fluoride to Portland's water, meaning Oregon's biggest city is no longer the largest holdout in the U.S.

The ordinance calls for city water to be fluoridated by March 2014.

Dental experts say fluoride is effective in fighting cavities. Opponents of public fluoridation say it's unsafe and violates an individual's right to consent to medication.

"Reasonable people can disagree, but the science is on the side of fluoridation," Mayor Sam Adams said after the unanimous vote.

For the rest of the story, go to The Denver Post.

To find out more about community water fluoridation, go to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Oral Health page.