While the internet can be convenient when it comes to answering our questions, it can also lead to widespread misinformation. In specific, we will be looking at the dispelling misinformation about water fluoridation. Despite 60 years of gathered research regarding this major public health initiative, some people are still uncertain if it is actually safe or beneficial.
Today, there continue to be myths surrounding fluoridated water, including that it isn’t natural and adding it to our drinking water won’t prevent tooth decay. There are even claims that fluoridated water causes conditions such as cancer and down syndrome.
Let’s take a deeper look into some of these common myths that evidence proves to be wrong:
Fluoride isn’t natural
First, what is fluoride? Fluoride is a natural and abundant element that is found in rocks, soil, and water. The natural level of fluoride in water differs for groundwater and surface water.
The three general fluoride compounds used to fluoridate your water include:
- Sodium fluoride
- Hydrofluorosilicic acid (hexafluorosilicic acid)
- Sodium silicofluoride
Fluoridated water doesn’t work
Did you know, that there is evidence that dates back to the 1940s concluding that populations with water fluoridation had lower levels of tooth decay? Since then, studies involving the artificial fluoridation of water supplies have been conducted. According to statistics, children and teenagers who had access to fluoridated water had 26-44% less tooth decay. Adults who lived in these communities also had 27% less tooth decay.
You can visit your dental office in Calgary for a fluoride treatment to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoridated water causes cancer and other health problems
Reliable evidence from the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) states that it is unlikely that water fluoridation raises the risk of cancer. Rather, they believe that water fluoridation offers many benefits especially for individuals who have less access to dental care.
According to studies by Health Canada, there is no link between water fluoridation and cancer or other health problems/self-reported complaints. Some of these include:
- Down syndrome
- Cognitive problems
- Lowered intelligence
- Hip fracture
- Chronic kidney disease
- Kidney stones
- Hardening of the arteries
- High blood pressure
- Low birth weight
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid problems
Fluoridated water is not safe for infants
Some parents are concerned about using fluoridated water to make baby formula. The World Health Organization has endorsed water fluoridation as it poses no health risks for babies or young children. In addition, fluoridated water does not pose a risk for dental fluorosis. If this were the case, your dentist in Calgary would not recommend topical fluoride treatments to fight tooth decay and strengthen developing teeth.
Dental Fluoride
As mentioned above, fluoride is found in the water we drink. You can also apply fluoride topically to your teeth using fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinses. You can find products that contain fluoride in lower strengths at your local drugstore, but for stronger concentrations, you will need to visit your dental clinic in Calgary.
Your dentist can also apply fluoride to your teeth in the form of a gel, foam or varnish. These treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than over-the-counter dental fluoride products.