Ontario's Dentists: Community Water Fluoridation is Safe and effective in the fight against tooth decay

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Dental Association applauds the efforts of Bob Delaney, MPP Mississauga-Streetsville, to bring community water fluoridation to discussion in the Ontario Legislature today.

Dentists around the world, and in particular in Ontario, have long recognized the oral health benefits of fluoridation of municipal drinking water. It is a cost-effective and economical means of preventing dental caries to everyone in the community. Community water fluoridation in the right amount is both safe and effective.

"Ontario's dentists want what's best for our patients," explained Dr. Gerald Smith, President of the Ontario Dental Association. "There is clear evidence that fluoride helps natural tooth enamel remineralize. It is important that everyone understands the facts and the benefits of fluoride. Water fluoridation helps prevent tooth decay – it's just that simple."

"The value of fluoridation of drinking water must be taught continuously. Ontario needs to lead our municipalities to adopt the Chief Medical Officer of Health's No. 1 recommendation and ensure drinking water for all Ontarians is fluoridated," stated Bob Delaney, MPP Mississauga-Streetsville.

Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health recommended in her Special Report on Oral Health (Oral Health – More Than Just Cavities) that all Ontarians have access to optimally fluoridated drinking water. The Chief Medical Officer of Health also points to the irrefutable economic argument in support of community water fluoridation.

The ODA recommends that communities and politicians should get the facts from informed health-care and medical experts. People and city councillors must listen to their own public health departments and medical officers of health – these kinds of decisions should not be subject to emotional debates and opinion polls. We must trust experts and the science.

SOURCE: Ontario Dental Association

Janiece Walsh, Public Affairs and Communications, Ontario Dental Association, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]