Dr. Kelly Keyes runs a bustling dental clinic in Saint John, catering to patients of all age groups for 30 years. However, she has expressed concerns about the worsening oral health conditions among her younger patients. Some of these patients now require hospital treatment after enduring long waiting times, which further strains the healthcare system. Keyes emphasized the crucial role of fluoride in the city’s drinking water, noting its benefits in safeguarding developing teeth against decay by enhancing enamel strength and suppressing plaque bacteria.
Unfortunately, due to financial pressures faced by Saint John, city councillors opted to discontinue the fluoridation program as a cost-saving measure, saving $177,000 annually. However, this decision may have had detrimental effects on residents’ dental health. Despite opposition from dentists and physicians in the city, efforts to retain fluoride in the water system were unsuccessful. Over the past 12 years since its removal, Keyes observed adverse impacts on the city’s most vulnerable population.
Keyes reported a notable increase in cases of severe tooth decay among children under four years old, highlighting the negative consequences of the status quo on both kids and the community. These oral health issues can lead to academic disruptions, toothaches, and compromised self-esteem in children, with potential long-term repercussions extending into adulthood, including heart disease and persistent pain and suffering.
Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon, along with four other councillors, voted in favor of maintaining fluoride in the city’s drinking water. Reardon stressed that dental health should be a responsibility of the New Brunswick government rather than municipalities, to ensure consistency and support across communities. She expressed regret over the removal of fluoride and the challenges associated with reintroducing it into the system.
Paul Blanchard, the executive director of the New Brunswick Dental Society, highlighted the lack of data on fluoride removal and dental health in the province. He emphasized the urgency of assessing oral health status, especially among children, through expert guidance and preventive programs. Blanchard called for the reinstatement of school screening and varnish initiatives to improve oral health outcomes.
In other Canadian provinces, municipalities are reconsidering previous decisions to remove fluoride from water supplies. Windsor, Tecumseh, and LaSalle in Ontario reintroduced fluoride after observing deteriorating dental health indicators post-removal. Similarly, Calgary resumed fluoride treatment in its water system, following evidence of worsening dental health, particularly among children, after discontinuing fluoridation.
As the debate on water fluoridation continues, the importance of preventive measures like fluoride programs remains evident. Keyes emphasized the effectiveness and affordability of such initiatives, advocating for their reinstatement to benefit the entire population. She underscored the necessity of educating patients on the significance of fluoride treatments and toothpaste for maintaining optimal oral health, particularly in light of rising decay rates among children.