Calgary Reinstates Fluoride in Drinking Water for Better Dental Health

In a significant public health shift, Calgary has reinstated fluoride to its drinking water after a community-driven initiative linked the absence of the mineral to rising dental issues among children.

Calgary's drinking water supply will once again contain fluoride, marking a pivotal change in public health policy for the city. As of Monday, residents of Calgary in Western Canada will notice the reintroduction of fluoride in their taps. This decision follows a concerted push from local advocates and studies indicating a decline in oral health among the city's children after fluoride was removed from the water in 2011.

Originally, the city opted to stop fluoridating its water due to cost concerns, but the outcry from residents and the evident increase in cavities prompted city officials to reconsider their stance. Joe Schwarcz, a chemistry professor at McGill University, emphasizes the importance of fluoride, stating, "No doubt it reduces cavities... Poor dental health is associated with poor body health."

Historically, fluoridation has been celebrated as one of the foremost public health advancements of the last century due to its cost-effectiveness. However, it has faced skepticism and conspiracy theories, notably accusations during the 1950s that it served as a tool for societal control. Despite the controversy, Calgary's latest move reflects a growing recognition of the intrinsic link between dental health and overall well-being.