Dental Health and Fluoride
Dental Services at Public Health
Rusk County Public Health understands the importance of oral health and works with Bridging Brighter Smiles and NorthLakes Community Clinics to increase access to dental services to families in Rusk County.
NorthLakes Community Clinics offers dental screenings and fluoride treatments to all children 18 and under. Walk-ins are accepted. To find out when they will next be in office, please call us at 715/532-2299.
Children enrolled in WIC, pregnant moms enrolled in WIC or who are up to one-year post-partum are eligible to see Bridging Brighter Smiles in our office. Bridging Brighter Smiles offers teeth cleaning, silver diamine fluoride, oral screenings, dental sealants, fluoride varnish, and assistance with referrals. If interested in setting up an appointment, please call our office at 715/532-2299. The form below must be filled out and returned prior to your appointment.
Bridging Brighter Smiles English
Fluoride Facts
When did Wisconsin start fluoridating its municipal drinking water? Is this a new thing?
In 1946, the Sheboygan Water Utility became the first public water system in Wisconsin to fluoridate municipal drinking water for the prevention of tooth decay. The city of Ladysmith started adding fluoride to the public water system in 1966.
Why do communities fluoridate their water and what are its benefits?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that prevents cavities. For the last 80 years, communities have been adjusting fluoride in drinking water to make sure everyone has access to this proven method to protect teeth. The optimal amount is 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) — equivalent to a few drops in 55 gallons of water. Community water fluoridation keeps people from losing their teeth, reducing the need for dentures. People are also less likely to go the emergency room for dental pain and spend less money on dental treatments when they have access to fluoride in their drinking water. Children receive the additional benefit of fluoride strengthening their teeth as they form.
Is fluoridated water at 0.7 mg/L safe?
Yes, water fluoridation at 0.7 mg/L is safe and the practice of fluoridating water has been widely studied. The U.S. recommends a fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L. In some areas of the world, natural levels of fluoride are much higher. At higher levels, fluoride may cause negative health impacts. But studies researching lower fluoride levels like those found in the U.S. show no such effects. The research is complex, but the level recommended in the U.S. is safe and effective.
Is ending fluoridation a way to save tax dollars?
No. In fact, ending fluoridation imposes a hidden “tax” on families and taxpayers because it is likely to increase their dental expenses to treat decayed teeth. The evidence proves that fluoridation is inexpensive to maintain and saves money down the road. The typical cost of fluoridating a local water system is between 40 cents and $2.70 per person, per year.