Bottled fluoridated water now on-island

At the end of August, this year, I wrote an article relative to the arrival of bottled fluoridated water on Saipan. I said then that Saipan Ice would initiate distribution in early September.

Well, it just didn’t happen in September, or October, but it HAS occurred this month. ToothWorks received its first delivery on Monday, Nov. 13.

The delay was caused by the lack of a certain reagent that had to be shipped to Saipan. This reagent assures that the amount of added fluoride to the water does NOT exceed one (1) part fluoride to one (1) million parts of water.

This is the exact prescribed dosage to obtain significant healthy results. On the US Mainland approximately 65% of all cities have fluoridated water.

In July 2005, The American Dental Association celebrated 60 years of fluoridated water in the US. The positive results have been overwhelming.

I am aware that shortly after my article was published, there was a letter to the editor criticizing the addition of fluoride to the water supply. I was troubled by this and pursued it. There are people, all over, who take a stance against almost everything. There are groups who are opposed to the use of Penicillin.

I found it interesting that the person who wrote the response never identified themselves, or offered credentials.

I have felt for many, many years, that dentistry is far and away the most preventive-oriented aspect of the medical profession. We make our living fixing teeth. There is absolutely no benefit for the dental profession to promote fluoridated water other than to help children prevent or diminish decay.

I am saddened, daily, to see very young children come into the clinic with teeth decayed to the gum-line, abscesses, and severe pain. When one adds the child’s fear and anxiety, the situation can become very traumatizing. Many of these very young children are very difficult, or impossible to manage, so treatment is delayed or neglected. And, the child has to live with the pain and discomfort.

I again urge ALL parents to get their children off of the sugared drinks, and get them on the bottled fluoridated water. Fluoride is not like a “shot” of penicillin. It is not going to be a magic “cure” overnight.

It will take months, if not years, to see the difference. But, this difference will be significant. The Chinese say that “a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step”. Let this be the first step. Stop the sugar! Start the fluoride.

I have no fiduciary interest in Saipan Ice. I am deeply appreciative that Tony Pelligrino was willing to make the financial sacrifice, and investment, to aid and abet dental disease on island. It is a gift.

There are small bottles available that can be added to your children’s lunch boxes. Make each day a “healthy” day for your children. Some day they will thank you for the gift!