Ballot issue 2B deceives Boulder voters, and strikes hardest at low-income children. 2B is not a clean water initiative, but a tricky attempt to eliminate water fluoridation in Boulder forever and subsequently cause painful dental experiences for many of Boulder’s young and fragile residents.
Dental decay for many children can be devastating. Cavities can severely limit chewing resulting in nutritional deficiencies. Low self-esteem arises as the child fears smiling, is struggling with speech development, and is experiencing constant pain affecting his or her ability to concentrate in school. Dental decay can start as soon as the teeth first appear and often results in the front four teeth deteriorating to black stumps by age three.
The resulting treatment often involves extracting or removing the nerves of the teeth and placing crowns before the child enters kindergarten. The lucky children are asleep or sedated for these procedures. The unlucky ones are awake. They are aware of every injection under their nose or on the roof of their mouth. After being numbed they still feel the pressure as the teeth are removed.
The children without dental insurance or from homes where money for dental care isn’t available are the children most often dealing with this devastating disease. These children do not receive regular dental checkups and the benefits of the preventive care provided by a dentist.
Many homes still may not use toothpaste with fluoride or fully understand how to prevent dental decay. These are the children that need what Boulder’s water currently gives them. Fluoride in our water narrows the gap between those who can afford dental care and those who cannot. A vote for 2B is a vote against children.
Don’t be deceived — vote NO on 2B.
Kim Jones is on the Board of Directors of Dental Aid, Inc.
The preceding was originally published as a letter to the editor of the Colorado Daily on October 9, 2006.
This message is from the Vote No on 2B Committee,
supported by the many very concerned health professionals serving the people of Boulder.
