Introduction

Dental disease is the most common chronic disease in children and adolescents in North America. It is five times more common than asthma. In Canada, $10 billion is spent annually on oral health care. Tooth decay is also the most widespread and costly oral health problem among people of all ages in the Thunder Bay District. 

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in the environment. It is present in varying amounts in rocks, soil and water. The Canadian Dental Association considers fluoride to be a beneficial nutrient based on its proven effects on dental health.

What is community water fluoridation?

Community water fluoridation is the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to improve dental health. The process is carefully controlled and monitored on a daily basis. Studies show that drinking fluoridated water helps to reduce tooth decay by 20 to 40% in people of all ages. There are 400 million people in the world, in 60 countries, drinking fluoridated water.

Background and statistics in Thunder Bay

Over thirty years ago, in 1976, residents of Thunder Bay decided not to have the water fluoridated. Since then, there has been a great deal more research about the benefits of water fluoridation.

On average, Thunder Bay and District children have one of the highest rates of tooth decay than children in other Ontario communities of similar size.

In 2001, 5 year old children in Thunder Bay had 50% more tooth decay than Sudbury's 5 year old children. In 2006, Thunder Bay's five year old children had 90% more tooth decay than Sudbury's five year old chldren. That's in only five years . . . what will the statistics be in another five years?

Root caries (decay found on the surface of teeth near the gum tissue) are also increasing in adults' and seniors' teeth. Research has shown that water fluoridation provides protection against root caries.

Thunder Bay's water supply has only trace amounts of fluoride occurring naturally. There is not enough to create a dental health benefit.

Thunder Bay and District residents are among only 30% of the population of Ontario that do not have access to this proven health benefit.

Research Reports

Research conducted over 60 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, keep their teeth clean and visit the dentist regularly.

Click here for reports and summaries on water fluoridation.

Position Statements

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

Click here for water fluoridation position statements.

Conclusion

The World Health Organization states that "Community water fluoridation is effective in preventing dental caries in both children and adults. Water fluoridation benefits all residents served by community water supplies regardless of their social or economic status."

People of all ages benefit from water fluoridation

If you have any questions about water fluoridation, please contact:

Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Community Water Fluoridation (807) 625-8309.

Information adapted with permission from Calgary Health Region August 2007