Local dentists firm in fluoride support

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March 4, 2009

<a href="mailto:jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com">By JOE LOTEMPLIO</a> The Press Republican Wed Mar 04, 2009, 05:29 PM EST

PLATTSBURGH — City of Plattsburgh officials heard a strong message Tuesday night from people supporting the fluoridation of drinking water.

“I am here to offer you something that can improve your health, is cost-effective and you don’t have to do anything to get it,” Clinton County Health Department Director Paula Calkins-Lacombe said at a special meeting with the Common Council.

“All you have to do is drink or cook with the water.”

The city has been fluoridating its water supply since 1956.

But recent alarms by the Fluoride Action Network have some councilors considering removing it from the water system.

Paul Connett, executive director of the Fluoride Action Network in St. Lawrence County, claims fluoride can be harmful in that it could be linked to lower intelligence quotients in children.

Dentists, backed by studies from the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control, say that fluoride, at minimal levels, is safe, makes teeth stronger and prevents tooth decay.

‘JUNK SCIENCE’

Among Connett’s claims are that dentists support fluoride despite the possible ill effects because they do not want children to have cavities.

This would allow them more time to deal with adult tooth problems, which can fetch more money.

“That is just a ludicrous statement,” said Dr. Robert Heins, a dentist for 40 years.

“I have dealt with this person (Connett) in the past, and I have nothing good to say about him and his followers. They are dishonest, and they know their studies are junk science.”

Heins said he has been treating patients who use fluoride for decades and has seen the benefits without any harm.

“I’ve been treating patients for 40 years. This clown (Connett) has never treated a single patient.

“They throw mud against the wall and if one thing sticks, they latch onto it.”

Councilor Michael Kelly (D-Ward 2) asked Heins why he considers Connett a clown.

“Because his statements about not wanting to treat children are completely irrational,” Heins said.

“Maybe I shouldn’t call him a clown, but I’m not sure what I should call him.”

BACKED BY RESEARCH

Dr. Jerome “Jake” DeSnyder, also a Plattsburgh dentist, said thousands of studies by the scientific community over the years show that fluoride is safe and effective.

“This is not an issue for seven lay people (council) to be deciding,” DeSnyder said, adding that he did not believe the issue should even be up for discussion.

Kelly said it is the council’s duty to listen to all sides of each issue before making any decisions.

“If someone wants to come in and talk about the Martians in his backyard, we should at least listen,” Kelly said.

Councilor George Rabideau (R-Ward 3) agreed with Kelly.

“Why not have it on our agenda?” Rabideau said.

“We listened to many people who came here to speak against the war in Iraq, even though we as a council have nothing to do with it. In this case, we are using fluoride, so we should listen.”

Councilor Timothy Carpenter (D-Ward 1) also supported hearing both sides of the argument.

“But just because we listen doesn’t mean we necessarily believe what he (Connett) says,” Carpenter told DeSnyder.

“Your word carries a little more weight than his because we know you.”

NIGHTMARES

Calkins-Lacombe and John Kanoza, director of environmental health for the county, said the amount of fluoride used by the city is one part per million, which is equivalent to one inch in 16 miles, one minute in two years and one cent in $10,000.

“I’ve had nightmares about this because I am concerned that we might lose this (fluoride),” Calkins-Lacombe said.

“I do not want to be known as the public-health director who lost fluoride.”

The council will host Connett at their March 12 meeting to hear his arguments.

E-mail Joe LoTemplio at:

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com