Dr. Kelly Keyes runs a busy dental clinic in Saint John, where she has been caring for patients of all ages for thirty years. She has noticed a concerning decline in the oral health of younger patients, some of whom require hospital treatment after enduring long waiting periods. Keyes highlighted the importance of fluoride in the city’s drinking water since the 1980s, as it has been crucial in protecting teeth by strengthening enamel and reducing plaque bacteria.
However, due to financial pressures, Saint John’s city council opted to discontinue the fluoridation program, saving $177,000 annually but potentially leading to higher costs in dental health for residents. Despite opposition from local dentists and physicians, the removal of fluoride was executed, and over the past 12 years, Keyes observed adverse effects on the city’s most vulnerable population, particularly children with severe tooth decay.
The absence of fluoride has resulted in devastating consequences for children, including missed school days due to toothaches, which affect their self-esteem and could lead to long-term health issues like heart disease. While many Canadian cities have embraced water fluoridation, the debate over its benefits and risks persists, with critics mentioning concerns about cost and the possibility of fluorosis if consumed excessively.
In Saint John, Mayor Donna Reardon, along with some councillors, supported retaining fluoride in the water supply, emphasizing the importance of oral health care. Reardon believes that dental health should be a responsibility of the provincial government rather than individual municipalities to ensure consistency and equal access to healthcare services.
Paul Blanchard, from the New Brunswick Dental Society, expressed concerns about the lack of data post-fluoride removal to assess the impact on oral health. He highlighted a national study indicating a high rate of surgical interventions for cavities in young children in Saint John, suggesting a worsening situation since the fluoride removal.
Efforts are being made in other provinces to reintroduce fluoride into water systems after observing deteriorating dental health outcomes post-removal. For instance, Ontario communities like Windsor, Tecumseh, and LaSalle have reinstated fluoride, citing a rise in dental issues following its removal. These initiatives underscore the importance of fluoride as a cost-effective preventive measure in maintaining oral health.
Despite the introduction of the Canadian Dental Care program, Keyes noted an increase in older adults seeking treatment for long-neglected dental issues like root decay. She emphasized the significance of preventive measures like fluoridation, highlighting its affordability and effectiveness in reducing tooth decay. Keyes now devotes time to educating patients on the benefits of fluoride treatments and toothpaste to combat prevalent dental issues.
The removal of fluoride not only raises concerns about safety and effectiveness but also contributes to the pain and embarrassment experienced by children due to preventable dental problems. Keyes expressed frustration towards parents for not seeking essential information and municipal authorities for eliminating a vital tool in combating tooth decay, particularly affecting the most vulnerable members of the community.