Features, Meeker

Fluoride. It’s everywhere.

MEEKER | Since the late 1940s, fluoride—the ionic form of fluorine, which is the 13th most abundant element in the earth’s crust and is found naturally in water and air—started being added to some public drinking water supplies in the United States and Canada as a means of preventing dental caries, or cavities.

What was something of a grand experiment—residents of the first town to have fluoridated water weren’t told about the addition—was considered a success. The rates of tooth decay in towns with fluoridated water dropped dramatically. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identify fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

But all communities couldn’t afford fluoridation equipment, and rural areas that depended primarily on wells and cisterns were missing the benefits of fluoridated water, so fluoride began to be added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and provided in supplement form.

Today fluoride is found not just in dental products, but in processed foods and beverages made with fluoridated water, some food products treated with pesticides that contain fluoride (grape products, dried fruit, cocoa powder and walnuts), black tea, certain pharmaceutical drugs, mechanically deboned meat, and teflon pans used for cooking.

Dentists and dental hygienists are the strongest proponents of fluoridation because they know the impact of tooth decay on one’s overall health.

The American Dental Association statement on fluoridation reads:

“Resolved, that in the interest of public health, the American Dental Association recommends the fluoridation of community water systems in accordance with the standards established by the appropriate authority, and be it further

Resolved, that the American Dental Association supports ongoing research on the safety and effectiveness of community water fluoridation.

Since the inception of water fluoridation, the American Dental Association has carefully monitored scientific research regarding safety and efficacy. Based on that review, the Association has continually reaffirmed water fluoridation as the most effective public health measure for the prevention of dental caries and strongly urges that its benefits be extended to those served by communal water systems.”

Kari Brennan of White River Dental Hygiene shared a link to a health department fact sheet on fluoridation that can be found here: tiny.cc/fluoridefacts.

Despite statistical evidence that fluoridated water supplies are good for dental health, particularly in children, it is possible to have too much of a good thing, and that has become a concern for some people when it comes to fluoridating public water supplies.

Excess fluoridation can result in fluorosis of the teeth or skeleton. From 1950 to 2004, the incidence of dental fluorosis in children increased from 10% to 41%. Dental fluorosis is a tooth defect that can have symptoms ranging from tiny white specks or streaks to dark brown stains and rough, pitted tooth enamel.

Dental fluorosis was first identified in Colorado Springs in the early 1900s by a dentist named Frederick McKay. Many of the residents of Colorado Springs had brown-stained teeth, even the children, which they referred to as Colorado Brown Stain. Determined to find the cause for the staining, McKay eventually had the water tested in Colorado Springs and other areas with similar symptoms. They all had high levels of fluoride naturally occurring in the local water supply.

Some 70-plus years after the U.S. started fluoridating water supplies, some people have started to question the need for systemic fluoridation of all residents, in light of additional fluoride supplied by other means. Some activists have gone so far as to say fluoridating a public water supply amounts to “mass medication” of people without their express consent.

Twelve years ago the city of Juneau, Alaska, canceled its fluoridation program. The results? Local dentists reported seeing increased dental decay. But the fluoridation program is still the subject of strident debate among residents and they haven’t reinstated the program.

This fall, Meeker residents will have an opportunity to decide for themselves whether the town should continue fluoridating town water.

By Niki Turner| [email protected]

2 Comments

  1. Fluoridation began with the mistaken belief that fluoride was essential to grow decay-resistent teeth. But modern science disproved that concept. Fluoride is neither a nutrient nor essential for healthy teeth – meaning that ingesting a fluoride-free diet won’t cause tooth decay. Fluoride, like all drugs, has side effects – the most critical is the damage it’s doing to our children’s brains – where fluoride was never inteneded to go. Recent studies link fluoride to ADHD, Lower IQ, Autism and more. http://fluoridealert.org/issues/health/brain

    Our kids are guinea pigs in this ongoing human experimentation called fluoridation without informed consent. Politics, not science, protects fluoridation

  2. This article brings up some great points about the benefits of community water fluoridation and the scientifically proven facts that water fluoridated at the optimal level will help to prevent dental decay. The small cost of community water fluoridation far outweighs the cost of dental fillings. Lastly, while fluorosis is possible with excessive exposure to fluoride, this is rarely seen anymore and never seen in communities that participate in community water fluoridation.

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  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089966804052

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bailey_waldref_rew?igsh=MXQ5Y3dtOWN4emNkNw==

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Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
  • Once again, the Rangely High School lady Panthers basketball team battled their way to the state championship in Denver. They ended a wildly successful season the ninth-ranked 2A Division team in the state with a 35-29 loss on March 7 to Wiggins and a March 8 loss to Denver Christian 60-46. Bottom row: Aubrey Keeney, TyLee Fielder, Ashlynn Ducey, Miah Wren, Emmeree Wagner. Top row: Coach Lohry, Rachel Elder, Aubrianna Tapia, Addison Scott, Annika Cantrell, Ryann Mergelman, Kastyn Dembowski, Miley Chism. Coach Nate Terrin (in back) and Head Coach Jimmie Mergelman.
  • The Meeker High School girls’ basketball team hosted their basketball awards for the 2023-2024 season. (Left to right) Taylor Garcia earned Western Slope Honorable Mention, Ellie Hossack Western Slope Honorable Mention and Coach’s Mountain Climber awards, Rylee Sullivan Western Slope All-Conference and Ainsley Selle Western Slope Honorable Mention and Coach’s Gold Heart awards.
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089966804052

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bailey_waldref_rew?igsh=MXQ5Y3dtOWN4emNkNw==

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089966804052 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bailey_waldref_rew?igsh=MXQ5Y3dtOWN4emNkNw== 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
2 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
23 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Once again, the Rangely High School lady Panthers basketball team battled their way to the state championship in Denver. They ended a wildly successful season the ninth-ranked 2A Division team in the state with a 35-29 loss on March 7 to Wiggins and a March 8 loss to Denver Christian 60-46. Bottom row: Aubrey Keeney, TyLee Fielder, Ashlynn Ducey, Miah Wren, Emmeree Wagner. Top row: Coach Lohry, Rachel Elder, Aubrianna Tapia, Addison Scott, Annika Cantrell, Ryann Mergelman, Kastyn Dembowski, Miley Chism. Coach Nate Terrin (in back) and Head Coach Jimmie Mergelman.
Once again, the Rangely High School lady Panthers basketball team battled their way to the state championship in Denver. They ended a wildly successful season the ninth-ranked 2A Division team in the state with a 35-29 loss on March 7 to Wiggins and a March 8 loss to Denver Christian 60-46. Bottom row: Aubrey Keeney, TyLee Fielder, Ashlynn Ducey, Miah Wren, Emmeree Wagner. Top row: Coach Lohry, Rachel Elder, Aubrianna Tapia, Addison Scott, Annika Cantrell, Ryann Mergelman, Kastyn Dembowski, Miley Chism. Coach Nate Terrin (in back) and Head Coach Jimmie Mergelman.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The Meeker High School girls’ basketball team hosted their basketball awards for the 2023-2024 season. (Left to right) Taylor Garcia earned Western Slope Honorable Mention, Ellie Hossack Western Slope Honorable Mention and Coach’s Mountain Climber awards, Rylee Sullivan Western Slope All-Conference and Ainsley Selle Western Slope Honorable Mention and Coach’s Gold Heart awards.
The Meeker High School girls’ basketball team hosted their basketball awards for the 2023-2024 season. (Left to right) Taylor Garcia earned Western Slope Honorable Mention, Ellie Hossack Western Slope Honorable Mention and Coach’s Mountain Climber awards, Rylee Sullivan Western Slope All-Conference and Ainsley Selle Western Slope Honorable Mention and Coach’s Gold Heart awards.
4 days ago
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9/9

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