Fluoride in Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia Dental Association

Fluoride in Nova Scotia

What is fluoride? What is community water fluoridation?

HomeFluoride in Nova Scotia

In recent months, misinformation about water fluoridation has been circulating online and in the media. The Nova Scotia Dental Association is interested in ensuring the public has access to accurate information.

On this page, you can find responses to frequently asked questions, including:

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is found naturally in soil, air, many foods, and both fresh and salt water. At optimal levels, it helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay. It can even reverse early signs of tooth decay, improving overall health.

What is community water fluoridation (CWF)?

Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the level of naturally occurring fluoride in a public drinking water supply to optimize dental benefits. For more than 50 years, municipalities across Canada have used CWF as a safe and effective means of preventing tooth decay.

In Canada, the optimal level of fluoride in the water is 0.7 milligrams per litre — well below the maximum acceptable concentration (1.5 mg/L). This takes into account that Canadians already receive fluoride from other sources, such as food and beverages.

What is the Nova Scotia Dental Association’s position on community water fluoridation?

The NSDA supports fluoridation of community water as a necessary way to prevent tooth decay and promote oral health. We continue to monitor new research and want to reassure the public that the benefits of water fluoridation for preventing tooth decay have been well-documented for more than 75 years and into today. There is no scientific basis for the NSDA to change its position on community water fluoridation, which is that it is a safe, essential tool for promoting oral health across Canada.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named community water fluoridation as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century and, for more than 75 years, scientific evidence has pointed to water fluoridation as safe and effective.

Why is fluoride necessary in community water sources?

Although fluoride is available in toothpaste and professional dental products, fluoride in public drinking water ensures everyone in the community, especially those with limited access to dental care, receives protection from tooth decay. In Canada, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water makes recommendations on the optimal level of fluoride in public drinking water to prevent tooth decay. The recommended levels take into account that Canadians already receive fluoride from other sources, such as food and beverages. 

What about reports that fluoride is linked to reduced IQ in children?

The current scientific consensus (based on credible, evidence-based research) does not support a link between community water fluoridation at optimal levels and reduced IQ in children. Recent studies that have raised concerns about this link have often been criticized for methodological flaws or biases, and their findings are not considered conclusive by major health organizations.

For example, recently in the U.S. a report’s findings of lower IQ in children were limited to fluoride levels that are more than double (>1.5 mg/L) the recommended optimal level. Current levels of community water fluoridation (0.7 mg/L) recommended by the CDC are safe and do not pose risks to children’s cognitive development. The report’s findings, therefore, do not apply to properly fluoridated community water.

The reports are reviewed by experts at the American Dental Association and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, who found no new evidence that warrants changes to existing public health policies on community water fluoridation.

Does community water fluoridation pose the risk of dental fluorosis?

The fluoride levels in community drinking water are carefully monitored by health authorities to ensure they are at optimal levels, balancing benefits while minimizing any potential risks, such as dental fluorosis. An optimal level of water fluoridation is achieved by adjusting the level of fluoride in the water to achieve the right balance between the benefit of preventing tooth decay and the risk of developing dental fluorosis. 

In Canada, most cases of dental fluorosis are mild, often appearing as small white specks on teeth. It is not a health concern for the majority of children. Aside from mild cases of dental fluorosis, extensive scientific studies have found no credible link between optimal water fluoridation and adverse health effects. 

Where can I find trustworthy information on fluoride?

Misinformation about community water fluoridation is widespread, especially on social media. It’s important to rely on research that follows sound scientific methodologies. Many online sources present conclusions about fluoride that are not scientifically justifiable.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and other trusted dental organizations leverage the help of academics and scientific experts to base their positions on well-established, evidence-based studies, not on pseudo-scientific claims. Patients are encouraged to consult their dentist for accurate information on the safety and benefits of fluoride in water. 

Have a question?

Please contact your dentist.

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