Water Utilities Gives You Something to Smile About

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – A strong, healthy and beautiful smile isn’t vanity; it’s public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently awarded the City of Corpus Christi Water Utilities the Water Fluoridation Quality Award for the water system’s consistent fluoride levels recommended for oral health.

Water Utilities has consecutively earned this distinction from the CDC since 2017, and they plan to keep the momentum going in 2020. As the Director of Public Health for the City and County, Annette Rodriguez knows the impact water fluoridation has for residents.

“Water fluoridation is important in fighting tooth decay in our community and is one of public health’s greatest accomplishments,” Rodriguez said.

The American Dental Association (ADA) identifies five reasons why fluoride in water is good for communities:

• Prevents tooth decay. Fluoride in water is the most efficient way to prevent common childhood diseases like tooth decay.
• Protects all ages against cavities. American Dental Association studies have shown that fluoride in a community water system prevents 25% of tooth decay in children and adults.
• Safe and effective. For over 70 years, scientific evidence has consistently indicated that this is a safe and effective practice.  
• Saves money. Rather than an individual spending potentially thousands of dollars on costly tooth repairs, Water Utilities invests $0.64 per person per year to fluoridate the water.
• It’s natural. Fluoride is naturally present in groundwater and oceans. Water Utilities adjusts the level of fluoride during the water treatment process to the recommended level by the CDC.

Local dentist and business owner, Dr. Chad Allen from Allen Dental Group shared his expert opinion about the importance of fluoride as part of his patient’s daily routines.

"Over the decades and through countless scientific studies, fluoride has shown to be the most effective agent in fighting tooth decay. It is even more important today with the increased consumption of highly acidic drinks like coffee, sodas and sports drinks. I am extremely happy that the city of Corpus Christi has taken their role of public health seriously by maintaining the proper levels of fluoride in drinking water,” Dr. Allen said.

Corpus Christi Water Utilities mission is to provide clean and quality water and wastewater services that respect our environment and our customers can depend on. For media inquiries, please contact Christian Cabazos, Water Utilities Public Relations Manager at 361-826-1778 or chrisc4@cctexas.com.