> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Letter: Venice Family Clinic doctor urges water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/121602-story-20021216/
- Published: 2002-12-16T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T01:06:48.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Venice, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Anne Arikian, MD Staff Physician Venice Family Clinic*

I am a family physician working at the Venice Family Clinic. Dental caries, or tooth decay, is extremely prevalent in our patient population, affecting both children and adults. Sadly, our patients lack health insurance and generally are unable to afford dental care. As a result, the severity and extent of their dental problems is much worse than in the general population. One of the most common reasons that our homeless patients visit the clinic is to try to obtain a referral for free dental care. Unfortunately, we run out of funds for this service almost as soon as it is made available. Children, who would benefit the most from water fluoridation, don’t get regular dental care because their families can’t afford it and often can’t access the few services that are available to them.

Water fluoridation prevents cavities. I’d like to also clarify that fluoride is an element that is found naturally in many water supplies. In fact, the initial concept of water fluoridation came about when it was noted that people in communities where naturally occurring fluoride levels were high had very low levels of dental caries.

In medicine, we have learned that prevention works better than treatment. This is especially applicable in the case of dental disease. Water fluoridation is safe, effective and inexpensive. It is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Medicine and the American Dental Association. Locally, the Los Angeles County Public Health Department has long advocated for countywide water fluoridation. This vital public health measure has already been implemented around the country and 50 years of scientific evidence has validated its safety and benefits.

I encourage those who are concerned about the safety of fluoride to speak with their doctor, dentist or other trusted health-care professional.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 16, 2002.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/121602.pdf?ref=smdp.com)