By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
MARS HILL, Maine — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced recently that the Mars Hill and Blaine Water Company has been awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to a level that is effective for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes communities that have achieved excellence in community water fluoridation by maintaining a consistent level of fluoridated water, and according to state standards, throughout 2012,” said Bob Lento, director of the MHBWC.
Reviewing levels for the year ending 2013 showed fluoride levels are consistent to 2012 levels, noted Lento.
“Community water fluoridation is one of the most effective ways that communities can use to prevent tooth decay in children and adults,” stated Dr. Katherine Weno, DDS, JD, director of the CDC Division of Oral Health. “Our current research shows that people living in fluoridated communities have about 25 percent fewer cavities over their lifetime.”
