For years, Calgarians have debated the pros and cons of adding fluoride back into the city’s water supply. After nearly a decade without it, the decision has been made: fluoride is back. This change is more than just a policy shift; it’s a public health win.
So, why is fluoride in our drinking water such a good thing? Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, prevents cavities, and provides ongoing protection for people of all ages. It’s a safe, cost-effective way to support oral health across the entire community.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. It’s been used for decades in dental care products like toothpaste and mouth rinses because of its ability to help protect teeth from decay. When added to public water supplies at appropriate levels, fluoride has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities and contribute to long-term dental health.
What Does Fluoride Do?
Fluoride helps remineralize tooth enamel, which can reverse early stages of decay. It also makes enamel more resistant to the acids that cause cavities. This means that, even if plaque begins to form on your teeth, fluoride provides a layer of defence to slow or stop decay from progressing. It acts like a steady, invisible shield—helping your teeth stay stronger between brushings.
Is Fluoridated Water Safe?
It’s normal to have questions about what goes into your drinking water—and when it comes to fluoride, safety is a top priority. In Canada, fluoride levels in municipal water are regulated to provide dental health benefits while minimizing risks.
The ideal amount, called the optimal level, is 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per litre of water (or 0.7 parts per million). This level is based on national guidelines and considers additional fluoride sources like toothpaste or mouth rinse.
Municipal treatment plants use certified fluoridation agents and monitor levels closely to keep fluoride within this recommended range.
What About Dental Fluorosis?
You might have heard of dental fluorosis, a condition that involves the development of white streaks or spots on the teeth. Dental fluorosis tends to occur in children and occurs due to overexposure to fluoride while their adult teeth are developing.
Fluorosis typically occurs in regions where children consume water from private wells with naturally high fluoride levels, often significantly exceeding Health Canada’s recommended limits. These elevated concentrations are most common in groundwater sources, not municipal supplies.
These controls help reduce overexposure during the years when children’s teeth are still forming. Once teeth are fully developed, fluorosis is no longer a concern, and adults are not at risk.
How Is Fluoride Beneficial?
For Adults
Adults continue to benefit from fluoride throughout their lives. It helps prevent new cavities and slows the progression of existing decay. It can also be useful for individuals with receding gums, dry mouth, or a history of dental restorations.
For Children
Fluoride plays a key role in strengthening developing enamel, giving children a better foundation for lifelong oral health. Drinking fluoridated water provides extra support—especially when children are still learning to brush thoroughly and consistently.
For the Whole Community
Fluoridation offers broad benefits across all ages and lifestyles. It has been shown to reduce the number of cavities in a population by 20% to 30%, regardless of individual oral health routines. Even communities with strong dental hygiene habits see measurable improvements.
Fluoride’s reach extends beyond personal care; it supports public health by lowering treatment needs, reducing school and work absences from dental issues, and minimizing long-term healthcare costs.
A Natural Supplement for Teeth
Access to fluoridated water supports oral health for everyone, including those who may not visit the dentist as often. This mineral works in the background to reinforce enamel and reduce the risk of cavities, without requiring people to change their habits or invest in additional treatments.
What This Means for Calgary Families
With fluoride back in Calgary’s water supply, families have an added layer of support for healthy smiles. Every glass from the tap now contains a helpful mineral that works to prevent tooth decay.
This change offers reassurance to parents, protection for kids, and peace of mind for adults at every stage of life. It’s a simple step that makes a meaningful difference in everyday oral care.
Preventive Care That Works
Fluoride in Calgary’s water supports strong, healthy smiles across all ages and is a meaningful step toward better oral health. Pinnacle Dental offers personalized preventive care to help you stay ahead of dental concerns. If it’s time for a checkup or you have questions about fluoride, contact us today and feel confident in your smile.
