Download a Community Fluoridation FAQ and Conversation Guide PDF with answers to the frequently asked questions.
Tag: Fluoride
Fluoride Exposed
If you have questions about fluoride, you have questions about science. Fluoride – and the science behind it – is fascinating. Fluoride Exposed is a project of the Charitable Partnership Fund where you can get your questions answered with real science, and have some fun at the same time.
Washington Department of Health (DOH)
During the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years, the Washington Department of Health (DOH) conducted the fifth Smile Survey. The 2016 survey results revealed that Washington’s oral health policies and programs have made progress on a few indicators. Access Smile Survey results and other resources for Oral Health on the DOH website.
The Benefits of Fluoride
Community water fluoridation will ensure everyone in our community can enjoy better oral health, overall health, and well-being.
Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter, a mineral found in most lakes, rivers, and oceans. But it’s usually found at levels below what’s needed to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride replaces minerals lost to the acid attacks that happen when we eat.
Community Fluoridation in Our City
Spokane faces real oral health challenges and disparities.
We have higher cavity rates than many other Washington communities. Spokane is the largest city in the state without the right balance of fluoride in the water.
On September 14, the Spokane City Council voted 6-1 to approve entering into a grant agreement with Arcora Foundation. The city will receive $4,000,000 to cover the capital costs related to implementing community water fluoridation, including planning, design, permitting, and construction costs.
Arcora is contributing $3,000,000 of the total. Nine locally-operating organizations worked together to raise the other $1,000,000; Better Health Together, Empire Health Foundation Community Action Fund, Providence Health Care, MultiCare Health Systems, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Health Care, Amerigroup, Community Health Plan of Washington, and Coordinated Care.
Thank you to all these funders and the countless community members, health care members, housing organizations, church pastors, activists, and parents who came out to support this public health initiative. This is a critical first step to radically improving the oral health of our city.
Letters of Support
for Community Water Fluoridation
Community Water Fluoridation Fiscal Study Released
The study was released in June. Click here to read the City of Spokane’s Fluoridation Implementation study.