The Potential for Fluorosis in the Lower Yakima Valley

Principal Investigator: Sarah Ehmer, Heritage College
View Publication Abstract (on IADR site)

Fluoride is widely known for its use in the dental field for the prevention of tooth decay and the promotion of strong healthy teeth. Fluoride is routinely added to municipal water systems in an effort to ensure good oral health of the community. Fluoride however, in large concentrations, is known to cause a condition called fluorosis, which is characterized by the embrittlement of bones, and teeth, which can lead to serious tooth decay. The lower Yakima valley has a high incident of tooth decay.

Heritage College along with the University of Washington is conducting a portion of a study which will monitor fluoride levels in wells throughout the valley in an effort to determine if this tooth decay is related to the leveig of naturally occurring fluoride in the groundwater.

Samples collected from drinking water wells and surface waters in the lower Yakima valley were tested in the laboratory using a fluoride probe. These results will aid in the overall determination of the cause of the tooth decay. Further this study may be used to educate people as to the real need if any to fluoridate the local municipal water systems.