The Medical Officer of Health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit appeared before Orillia City Council to make a case for fluoridation of the city’s drinking water.
Doctor Charles Gardner says recent statistics compiled by the Health Unit point to poor oral health in Orillia.
He says out of the 10 largest municipalities in Simcoe Muskoka – Orillia has the most cavities on average per child.
Gardner adds the cities with the lowest amount of cavities have fluoride added to their municipal water source.
Water fluoridation has proven to be a contentious issue in some municipalities.
Dr Gardner says the idea that water fluoridation is somehow detrimental to our health has no scientific basis.
He adds the big advantage of fluoridated water is that it is available to everyone with access to municipal water – including those who cannot afford regular dental checkups.
