Picton residents may want to seek extra dental care this summer because of temporary changes in water treatment.

The water treatment plant is being improved and as a result staff won’t be adding fluoride to the water, Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit officials said Wednesday in a news release. Fluoride is a compound used to prevent tooth decay and is a common additive in municipal water.

“People who live in the affected areas should discuss this with their dentists,” said Paul Sharma, the health unit’s oral health manager.
“The dentist may recommend additional preventive care until the water fluoridation resumes,” he said.

Fluoridation will resume after the current phase of construction is finished, likely this fall.

Dr. Bill Ryding, director of oral health, said Ontario law requires the health unit to notify dentists, doctors, pharmacists and the public when fluoridation is stopped for more than 90 days.