Dear Editor,
In light of the current discussion in your community regarding municipal water fluoridation, Alberta Health Services would like to highlight information based on good research about fluoridation, and clarify a statement reported in the March 19 Barrhead Leader.
Alberta Health Services supports water fluoridation because science shows it is safe and effective. Scientific panels in Canada, Australia, the U.S. and in Ireland have reviewed the research recently. At a cost of less than $1 a year per person, adjusting the natural level of fluoride to one that safely reduces dental decay, is one of the simplest, least expensive things a community can do for dental public health. By making the easy choice a good choice – drink tap water – fluoridation reduces disease and promotes equity. Just as traffic signals and sidewalks make roadways safer, fluoridation is an infrastructure investment that limits disease in the population.
In its recent review of the evidence, including allegations of harm from opponents of fluoridation, Health Canada’s Expert Panel identified enamel fluorosis – a surface marking of the teeth - as the risk that comes with too much fluoridation. The panel found that this risk is highest when children are using drops or tablets or uncontrolled amounts of toothpaste. To maximize benefit, and minimize risk of fluorosis, the panel recommended fluoridating water to the optimal level of 0.7ppm. Dental fluorosis rates are declining across Alberta, and we support the panel’s recommendation as a means of continuing this trend.
Differing from a statement in the Barrhead Leader that “as many as 80 per cent of children in fluoridated communities have mild to moderate dental fluorosis,” within the last decade evidence in Alberta shows 60 to 80 per cent of Grade 6 children have no dental fluorosis, and most of the rest have mild to very mild fluorosis.
Why not just give toothpaste or fluoride treatments to at-risk people? There is no simple way to find and reach the people who are most at risk for tooth decay, but fluoridated water is available to everyone. It does not stigmatize our fellow citizens who might not have enough money to pay for their dental care or preventive services, or may not even be able to brush daily. If you increase the health of one person, you have increased the overall health of the community. By fluoridating, the community says it values the oral and dental health of all its residents.
Information and links to recommended evidence-based information is available on the Alberta Health Services website at: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/3474.asp.
AHS Dental Health and Public Health staff in your community welcome questions at:
Barrhead Community Health Services, Public Health: 780-674-3408
Westlock Community Health Services, Public Health: 780-349-3316
AHS Dental Health and Public Health staff in your community are also available to speak to or provide information to community groups.
Dr. Kathryn Koliaska,
MD CCFP FRCP(C)
Medical Officer of Health,
North Zone (Central)
