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Bronson, Otsego and Great Lakes Water Authority of Detroit honored for 50 years of preventing tooth decay through fluoridation
May 09, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 9, 2018
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Oral Health Unit is recognizing the public water systems of Bronson, Otsego and the Great Lakes Water Authority of Detroit for being awarded the 50 Year Award from the American Dental Association, Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This award honors communities that have achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by continuously adjusting and maintaining the amount of fluoride in drinking water for the prevention of tooth decay in adults and children for 50 consecutive years. Nationally, nearly three-quarters (74.4 percent) – or 211 million people – served by community water systems have access to optimally fluoridated tap water.
“Water fluoridation is one of the best investments that a community can make in maintaining the oral health of its citizens,” said Sue Moran, MDHHS deputy director of Population Health Administration. “Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood and community water fluoridation is the most cost-effective way to deliver fluoride to people of all ages, education levels and income levels.”
Community water fluoridation has been recognized by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. This award comes during National Drinking Water Week, May 6-12, an opportunity to highlight the important role that water serves in our health. According to the CDC, drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities (also called tooth decay) by about 25 percent in children and adults.
For more information about community water fluorination, visit the CDC website.
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