We are first-year nursing students at Red Deer College. We are learning about oral health and children in our community health nursing course. We have been studying fluoride and its relation to cavity prevention, and are aware of the controversy about fluoride here in Red Deer.
The debate is on whether to continue, remove or lower the amount of fluoride in city water. We understand the initiative of the one-time funding to have community consultation and education about fluoridation in water. We realize that the city has lowered fluoride from 0.8 mg per litre to 0.7 mg per litre and will make a decision in fourth quarter of 2012 on whether to remove fluoride.
From our evidence-based practice, we found a systematic review of 21 studies that found fluoridation decreased the rates of tooth decay in communities among children of a varying socio-economic status. Five studies have shown water fluoridation to be a cost saving. It is a safe and cost-effective way to help people with avoiding dental decay regardless of their socio-economic status.
“It is recognized that rates of enamel fluorosis increase in areas with water fluoridation, but the main problem is not water, but toothpaste ingestion. The increases in ‘very mild’ and ‘mild’ fluorosis scores do not represent a health problem, but may be unesthetic.” (http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/3474.asp)
Systematic reviews have shown fluoride to be safe with no evidence of increased risk for cancer, bone disease, kidney disease, birth defects or environmental hazards. (http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/systematic.htm)
Water fluoridation is supported by the following organizations: Canadian Dental Association, Canadian Pediatric Association, Canadian Medical Association, World Health Organization, American Dental Association, American Medical Association, Canadian Association of Public Health Dentistry, Health Canada, Center for Disease Control, British Dental Association, and Australian Dental Association.
In conclusion, we support Red Deer’s continuation of water fluoridation.
Nichelle Palfi,
Paige Melin
Red Deer College