Calgary Study Finds Fluoridation Cessation Has Negative Impact On Dental Health.

The Globe and Mail (CAN) (2/17) reports that a study published Wednesday in the journal Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology suggests the City of Calgary’s decision in 2011 to stop community water fluoridation has negatively impacted children’s dental health in the city. The study found that “Calgary children have more than twice as many cavities as their counterparts in Edmonton, where fluoridation continues.” In addition, researchers “found that Calgary kids have more health issues with their baby teeth than those in the provincial capital.” The study’s lead author, Dr. Lindsay McLaren at the University of Calgary, said, “This study points to the conclusion that tooth decay has worsened following removal of fluoride from drinking water, especially in primary teeth, and it will be important to continue monitoring these trends.”

        MarketWired (CAN) (2/17) hosts a University of Calgary release stating the study examined Grade 2 students in Calgary and Edmonton, finding “the number of tooth surfaces with decay per child increased by 3.8 surfaces in Calgary during the time frame of the study, as compared to only 2.1 in Edmonton.” Steven Patterson, a professor at University of Alberta School of Dentistry, said, “The early effects of fluoridation cessation found in this study support the role of water fluoridation in contributing to improved oral health of children and that it is a public health measure worth maintaining.”

        MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on community water fluoridation.