Dentists Agree: Fluoride in Water Is a Must for Our Oral Health
- Bruno Gressi
- 14 minutes ago
- 4 min read
At By The Lake Dental, we care about what keeps your family smiling. That’s why we’re speaking up about something many people take for granted - fluoride in our water.
Fluoride is a quiet hero in the fight against tooth decay, especially for children. But across Canada and beyond, communities are removing it from public water systems due to misinformation, putting our oral health at risk.
What Is Fluoride, and Why Does It Matter?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, reverses early signs of decay, and fights harmful bacteria. Since the 1940s, communities across North America have added fluoride to public water systems as a simple, cost-effective way to improve oral health for millions.
Health organizations like the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), World Health Organization (WHO), and American Dental Association (ADA) strongly support fluoridation. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls water fluoridation one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. The CDC states that the optimal fluoride level in water (0.7 mg/L) is both safe and highly effective, reducing cavities by up to 25% in children and adults alike.
In Canada, childhood tooth decay rates dropped dramatically after water fluoridation was introduced - from 74% in the early 1970s to under 25% by 2009. However, there is still room to expand and improve the coverage of fluoridated water systems across the country.
Fluoridation is not just effective - it’s equitable. Fluoridated water protects everyone’s teeth, regardless of income or access to dental care. It doesn’t require special toothpaste, visits to dental clinics, or even conscious effort. For families who may not regularly visit dental offices or can’t afford fluoride treatments, fluoridated water is a built-in safety net.
In 2024, the Canadian Dental Association issued a clear statement:
“CDA closely monitors scientific developments and remains confident in the current consensus, which is based on evidence provided by quality research, that fluoridation at optimal levels poses no risk to cognitive health, including IQ. Studies suggesting a link between fluoride and cognitive decline are often limited by methodological flaws, and their findings do not apply to the optimal fluoride levels used in Canada (0.7 mg/L), which are carefully regulated by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water.”
The science is clear: Fluoridation is safe and effective. The fear is not.
The Growing Anti-Fluoride Movement
Despite overwhelming support from global health organizations, fluoride is increasingly under attack.
In 2011, Calgary’s city council voted to remove fluoride from the water supply, citing public pressure and the high cost of repairing fluoridation infrastructure. Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra noted that many residents opposed fluoride during his first campaign, and officials believed they were following public will.
But over the next decade, cavity rates increased, especially among children. In 2021, Calgary held a public vote. Despite widespread misinformation and anti-science sentiment, the majority voted to bring fluoride back. The city began the complex reinstatement process, expected to be completed by early 2025.
Research reaffirmed what public health experts already knew: fluoride works. It’s not a magic fix for inequities in dental care, but it’s an essential tool. Councillor Carra later reflected that the experience underscored the real danger of misinformation and the importance of standing up for science in policymaking.
Calgary isn’t alone. In Windsor, Ontario, city council voted to reintroduce fluoride in 2019 after removing it in 2013 for similar reasons.
However, the anti-fluoride movement is still gaining ground. For example, the City of Montreal plans to stop the West Island’s water fluoridation program by 2025.
Who Stands to Lose?
The rollback of water fluoridation doesn’t impact everyone equally.
Children in rural areas who rely on well water, families living in poverty, and kids with health conditions that make oral hygiene difficult stand to lose the most. Many children with autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy face extra challenges with brushing or regular dental visits to a children’s dentist. Some rely on sugary medications. For them, fluoride in water can be a lifeline.
Removing it could overwhelm an already stretched healthcare system - more cavities, more infections, more hospital visits. Some of these will require general anesthesia, especially for young children. These procedures are costly, invasive and carry risks.
Tooth decay is one of the most common (and preventable) childhood diseases. Treating it costs billions every year. Prevention is easier, cheaper, and far less painful.
Even for families with dental benefits, removing fluoride makes prevention harder. Yes, there are alternatives, such as fluoride toothpaste, varnishes and better diets, but all require time, money, and effort. Fluoridated water doesn’t.
What Can You Do?
According to the Durham Region and the City of Toronto, our communities in Ajax and Scarborough can count on fluoridated water.
But if your community decides to stop fluoridating, here are steps you can take to protect your family:
Use fluoridated toothpaste twice daily.
Ask your dentist or pediatrician about fluoride varnishes and supplements.
Choose bottled water that contains fluoride (if available).
Cut back on sugary drinks and refined carbs.
Maintain consistent brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
And most importantly - get involved:
Attend local council meetings.
Speak with your city representatives.
Advocate for keeping fluoride in your community’s water supply.
Remember: The science is on your side.
Along with fluoridated water, regular hygiene visits every 4–6 months help keep your family’s oral health in top shape. Book your appointment at By The Lake Dental, your favourite dental office in Ajax and Scarborough, and let our dentists and dental team take care of your smile!
Why Choose By The Lake Dental:
✅ +10 years caring for our community’s oral health needs
✅ A Platinum+ Invisalign dental office
✅ Direct billing to benefit provider
✅ Cutting-edge technology
✅ Full service family care
✅ Concierge experience
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Call us today: Ajax 905-428-2111, Highland Creek 416-284-8282.
