Dear Editor, I wanted to thank the Lac La Biche Council for the opportunity to share current and science-based information about community water fluoridation at its meeting on June 16.
Dear Editor,
I wanted to thank the Lac La Biche Council for the opportunity to share current and science-based information about community water fluoridation at its meeting on June 16.
Alberta Health Services supports water fluoridation because the science shows it is safe and effective. While avoiding high sugar drinks and regular tooth brushing are important for dental health, community water fluoridation provides further protection to prevent cavities. Communities with fluoridated tap water have less dental disease - it’ s that simple.
Evidence shows that communities with optimal fluoride levels in their water have more cavity-free children, and even those children who do experience tooth decay have less of it. Considering the high rate of cavities among children in our region, it would be a good decision to continue water fluoridation in Lac La Biche County.
Water fluoridation also benefits young and old alike by limiting tooth decay in adults, above and beyond simply using fluoridated toothpaste.
So, research shows fluoridation is effective. But is it safe? The answer to that is also yes.
When we look at all the quality water fluoridation research over the past 60 years the science-based evidence does not support any claims that community water fluoridation harms people’ s health. The only negative effect is dental fluorosis, which occurs rarely, and is a cosmetic effect rather than a health effect. The benefits of fluoridation outweigh this risk.
Health Canada is just one of more than 90 professional health care organizations, including the Canadian Dental Association, Canadian Medical Association, Centers of Disease Control in the United States and the World Health Organization that endorses water fluoridation as safe. Health Canada along with these credible health organizations confirms that water fluoridated to the optimal level poses no risk to human health.
It is important to remember that fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in our environment and in our fresh water. Water fluoridation is done when the level of naturally occurring fluoride in our fresh water is below the level known to protect dental health. Fluoride is then added to the municipal water supply during the water treatment process to protect the dental health of all residents.
At a cost of a few dollars a year per person, fortifying and controlling the fluoride level in our water is one of the simplest, least expensive things a community can do to protect the dental health of its residents.
As more Albertans keep their teeth for life, everyone benefits from community water fluoridation - regardless of age, income, education level - and without the need for behavioural change.
A decision to continue to support water fluoridation is one of the easiest and most cost-effective things a community can do to maintain and improve the dental and overall health of residents.
More information about the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation is available on our website at http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/3473.asp or by e-mailing [email protected] .
Sincerely,
Dr. Mayank Singal
