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Community Oral Health - Community Water Fluoridation

Community Oral Health

Community Water Fluoridation

Background | FAQ | Research Reports | Position Statements

Introduction

Fluorides protect teeth against the acids that cause tooth decay. Some communities have drinking water with enough natural fluoride to help protect teeth against cavities (Stratford, Ontario; Jacksonville, Florida; Tucson, Arizona). Other communities have high natural levels of fluoride that may cause whitish marks (dental fluorosis) on children’s developing teeth. Fluoridation is a scientific way of adjusting the natural level of fluoride in the water up to the level that helps prevent tooth decay and fluorosis.


Background in the Calgary Area within Alberta Health Services

Calgary’s natural fluoride level is too low to help prevent cavities. It ranges between 0.15 and 0.3 parts per million, depending on the snow melt in the mountains and spring runoff into the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Since 1991 the drinking water in Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks and Chestermere has been fluoridated. It is kept about 0.7 parts per million. Approximately three-quarters of the people in Alberta have fluoridated water (including Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Drumheller, Grande Prairie). Cochrane is not fluoridated.

On October 19, 1998 Calgarians voted in a plebiscite on water fluoridation and 136,697 people (55% of those who voted) replied “yes” to the question: “Are you in favour of continuing the fluoridation of the municipal water supply?".

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Click here for questions and answers about fluoridation.


Research Reports

Research conducted over more than 50 years indicates that water fluoridation is a safe, effective and economical way to reduce tooth decay for all ages. However, fluoridation is just one part of the way to fight cavities, and doesn’t do the job alone. People also need to eat healthy foods, be careful with snacks, keep their teeth clean, and visit the dentist regularly.

By itself, fluoride in the drinking water may reduce cavities up to 20 – 30%. The savings add up over a lifetime because fillings usually need to be re-done, and are significantly more expensive than the cost of fluoridation (about 40 cents per person per year).

Click here for reports and summaries on water fluoridation.


Position Statements

Many professional health associations and organizations have published statements about water fluoridation.

  • In 1998 the Board of the Calgary Health Region reaffirmed its support for fluoridation as a safe, economical and effective means of preventing tooth decay in all age groups.
  • The Alberta Dental Association calls water fluoridation an appropriate and effective public health measure.
  • The Canadian Dental Association supports water fluoridation as a safe and effective means of preventing tooth decay and improving oral health of all segments of the population.

Click here for water fluoridation position statements collected in 2007.

For more information on water fluoridation visit:


If you have any questions about community water fluoridation, please contact:
fluoride.info@calgaryhealthregion.ca
 

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