MONROE — Following concerns raised in part by people from outside the area, Monroe officials are discussing whether to continue having fluoride added to the city’s water supply.

Fluoride, many experts and dentists say, strengthens tooth enamel, which protects teeth from the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. This prevents cavities and reverses early signs of tooth decay. 

Fluoride is naturally found in soil, water, and plants, but the levels are usually too low to prevent cavities. Many communities — including Monroe — add fluoride to their water supply to help prevent cavities. 

Experts say they can see the positive impact of fluoride when they compare the dental health of children raised with fluoridated water in cities and those, for example, in the country who are drinking well water without the chemical.

The initial discussion about whether to continue fluoridation occurred at the Sept. 23 Public Works Committee meeting. But it’s likely to appear on a future agenda for the full Monroe Common Council, and it came up with citizen comments at the Monday, Oct. 7, meeting.

Deb Krattiger acknowledged at the council meeting that the issue is complicated but said municipal officials need to reconsider outdated practices, such as adding fluoride to drinking water. And that council members should do their homework before voting on any changes or policy related to fluoridization.

“Study after study has made it increasingly clear that fluoridating water supplies is an outdated, unnecessary and dangerous relic from a 1950s public health culture that viewed mass distribution of chemicals much differently than scientists do today,” Krattiger said. “Fluoridation is an outdated form of mass medication.”

Ald. Andrew Kranig asked several health officials at the committee meeting for information on the toxicity of fluoride and the “long-term effects” of ingesting the chemical. They also provided literature, including from the American Dental Association, and government information supporting fluoridization. 

Green County Health Department Director RoAnn Warden said it would take severely high levels of toxic fluoride to cause sickness.

“What public heath … recommends is a limit of 0.7 parts per million to your public water supply,” Warden said. “Toxicity for the general public is not a concern.”

Monroe’s fluoridation falls within the safe limit for drinking water, officials said.

Local dentist Janelle Eckdhal joined public officials and the American Dental Association who support continued water fluoridization. 

“I serve patients who have the advantage of fluoride in their water as well as those that have non-fluoridated water,” she told the Times. “Community water fluoridation is the most cost-effective method of reaching everyone in Monroe and delivers oral health benefits by simply having the right amount of this decay-fighting mineral. “

Eckdhal added that a community that fluoridates its water saves $32 per resident, per year in dental expenses. That adds up to nearly $345,000 per year across the county, according to officials.

She said she is dismayed by recent “attacks” on fluoride by activists, given the level of benefit she has seen it provide in all types of patients. Many studies attacking the substance aren’t relevant to the levels used in municipal water in this country, Eckdhal added.

“Additionally, please be aware that many of the studies being quoted by opponents are conducted in other countries where the levels of fluoride are much greater than our optimally fluoridated water,” Eckdhal said. “Our community water fluoridation program ensures that this amount is maintained at the optimal level and that Monroe receives the maximum benefit.”