REJECT House Bill 16, protect Kentucky's dental health.

Reject House Bill 16, protect Kentucky's dental health. The proposed House Bill 16 in Kentucky aims to allow local water districts to opt out of adding fluoride to drinking water, which has been a standard practice for over 70 years due to fluoride's proven benefits in strengthening teeth and preventing cavities. This legislative move raises serious public health concerns. Kentucky already ranks among the worst states for oral health, with nearly 45% of adults aged 65 and older having lost at least six teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease. Removing fluoride from drinking water would exacerbate this crisis, leading to more cavities and expensive dental issues, especially for vulnerable populations with limited access to dental care. In fact, five Kentucky counties currently have no dentists at all. While the bill's intent is to provide local control, the consequences of diminished fluoridation could financially burden the state's Medicaid program and taxpayers with escalating dental treatment costs estimated at $1.9 million or more annually. Abundant scientific evidence supports fluoride's safety and effectiveness when maintained at approved levels. Public health experts, dental professionals, and a majority of the nation's dentists advocate for preserving fluoridated water systems as a cost-effective and equitable way to promote dental hygiene across all communities. A statewide fluoride removal could disproportionately impact low-income families and exacerbate existing disparities in oral health access and outcomes. I urge you to consider the substantial public health ramifications and REJECT House Bill 16 to safeguard the oral health of all Kentuckians, especially those in underserved areas with limited dental resources. Preserving fluoridated drinking water aligns with proven strategies to prevent costly dental problems and maintain healthy communities.