As a dentist practicing for the past 35 years in western Maine and having read the Sun Journal Health Capsules by Bron Smith for Jan. 20 and 21, I feel compelled to comment on the misleading and false information represented. The first capsule attacks the use of fluoride for dental use by calling it a “known poison.”

Fluoride has been used safely and successfully to combat tooth decay for many years. While fluoride occurs naturally in drinking water, adding it in controlled doses to public water supplies, toothpaste, mouth rinses and supplements increases its usefulness without causing harmful effects. This successful use of fluoride has prevented many thousands of Maine children from experiencing the discomfort, pain and cost of cavities and lost teeth.

The second capsule by Mr. Smith attacks the use of silver amalgam fillings with old and false claims of mercury toxicity. These false claims have been discredited by dedicated research conducted by both the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control. The fact remains that silver amalgam fillings do no appreciable harm to the patient and are, indeed, safe and effective, long-lasting restorations for decayed teeth.

I would hope that future columns of this nature would be more closely scrutinized by Sun Journal staff for their accuracy in reporting health information to the public.

Jerrold H. Cohen, DMD, Mexico