CORNWALL, Ont. – Dr. George Limantzakis of Seaway Family Dental is weighing in on the long-standing issue of putting fluoride in the drinking water supply.
Limantzakis says that tooth decay rates go up when communities stop fluoridating their water, using nearby Dorval, Que., as an example.
“It’s too bad council voted against it, the decision to remove fluoride from the city’s drinking water is detrimental for people who can’t afford to visit the dentist and/or have soft teeth,” he said. “I strongly believe cavity prevention starts with fluoride. I’m not sure if it was more of a financial decision, because of upgrading costs and maintenance fees. But there are health issues, too. Fluoride if added to water correctly is supposed to be safe.”
To help prevent tooth decay, Limantzakis recommends using fluoridated toothpaste, in addition to brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and regular dentist visits.
Meanwhile, Seaway Family Dental’s fifth annual Dentistry from the Heart event takes place this Friday (June 3).
Starting at 8 a.m., Limantzakis and his staff of hygienists and dental assistants as well as other dental professionals from the area will treat patients on a first-come, first-serve basis, for free until 3 p.m. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.
“It’s very important for us to treat people who have nowhere to go,” said Limantzakis. “There’s definitely a need for this event in Cornwall.”
Last year, 85 people flocked to the event; several lined up outside the Montreal Rd. building as early as 4:30 a.m.
During Dentistry from the Heart, Limantzakis will be asking patients to sign up for the Canadian Blood Services’ blood donor clinic at the Cornwall Civic Complex on Tuesday (June 7), starting at noon.
For more information, visit seawayfamilydental.com.
