For 18 years, Boothbay has fluoridated the water. Fluoridation is endorsed by the Maine CDC and 80% of Mainers served by public water systems have the benefit of fluoride.  Almost anything in excess is harmful, but the Boothbay Water District is fluoridating to optimum levels.  The District is award-winning for skillful fluoridating; there is certainly no hint that residents are suffering fluoride injuries at the hands of the District.  

When I talk to my neighbors on both sides of the aisle, we can’t understand this anti-fluoride push on the ballot in November.  Public health isn’t about forced medication, it is about preventing avoidable health problems and medical procedures.  A study of Medicare records showed that in the city of Juneau, AK removed fluoridation, the average child in my daughter’s age range had an additional cavity procedure (going from 1.5 to 2.5) per year, costing an average of $300. My dental hygienist told me that that the elderly can benefit from fluoridation too, due to more exposed tooth surface and dexterity challenges.

Why should Boothbay change what is working?  

Kristina Juntunen

East Boothbay