In a turn of municipal decision-making, the City of Gatlinburg has definitively stated it will continue to fluoridate its water supply. Earlier discussions had brought the possibility of ceasing fluoridation to the fore, but following significant public and professional input, the City has resolved to maintain the status quo with regard to its water practices.
The debate was sparked by a letter the City sent out earlier this month through its water bills. This correspondence sought to gather public opinion on whether to continue to artificially add fluoride to the water system. In response, an array of voices, including residents and health professionals, coalesced to advocate for the continuation of fluoridation—a practice lauded for its benefits in dental health. "After reviewing the feedback from our customers — and receiving strong support from Gatlinburg’s health and dental practitioner community — we believe that maintaining fluoride in the water system is in the best interest of our citizens," read the statement on Gatlinburg's official website.
Fluoride in community water supplies has long been a public health strategy to reduce cavities and improve oral health outcomes for people of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has hailed community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. In line with such guidance, Gatlinburg has deemed it imperative to uphold this preventative measure for the well-being of its citizens.
Given the largely favorable reception of fluoride, the City has opted to cancel the planned vote on the issue at the upcoming September City Commission meeting. This decision underscores a commitment by city officials to not only seek out, but also truly hear and act upon the voices of their constituency and experts in the field. "Fluoridation remains a safe, effective, and equitable public health practice that helps promote better oral health outcomes across all age groups," the City further explained, pointing to a broad-scale benefit of the mineral's inclusion in the water supply.
