Debate Over Push To Stop Adding Fluoride To Denver Water Heats Up

DENVER (CBS4)- There is a push to stop adding fluoride to Denver Water. The debate over whether the benefits outweigh the risks was made public on Wednesday.

The experts in favor of fluoride claim it's good for your teeth but those against it say it's toxic.

"The science shows that it's effective and it's safe," said Dentist Dr. Brett Kessler.

"We know without a question of a doubt we get dental fluorosis which is discoloring of the enamel," said retired chemist Dr. Paul Connett.

If you drink Denver Water like millions of Colorado residents do, you take in fluoride with every sip. The utility has been adding fluoride since 1953.

Both the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.

The controversy over fluoride in community water erupted in the 1940s and the issue has surfaced again. Members of the public packed an informational session on Wednesday that was organized by Denver Water. It was so popular, the overflow area for the session was also full.

"We should never use the public water supply to deliver any kind of medication," said Connett.

"I disagree with that, it's an additive to the water just the same as if we put iodine in the salt," said Kessler.

"There's not one single process by a chemical process in the human body that needs fluoride," said Connett.

"My parents generation the decay was horrible and when water was fluoridated that decay, rampant decay, went away," said Kessler. "We've got 50, 60 years of evidence that show it is working."

Much of the fluoride in Denver Water is naturally occurring but to reach the recommended levels the water is supplemented.

The target level for fluoride in drinking water is .7 milligrams per liter. They say that's less than one drop of fluoride in 55 gallons.

On Aug. 26 the Denver Board of Water Commissioners will decide whether to change the fluoride policy or keep it as is.