Critics of fluoridation have argued the practice can cause health problems if people are exposed to large amounts. They point to issues such as bone damage and arthritis.
Dr. Danielle Mansfield operates dental clinics in Boissevain and Killarney under the Turtle Mountain Dental Group. She is a firm believer in the benefits of fluoride, as are professional associations.
“Water fluoridation has been a topic of discussion for a long time,” Mansfield said. “The Canadian Dental Association and Manitoba Dental Association currently support community water fluoridation and I personally agree with both of these organizations on the subject. Significant research has been conducted by Dental Public Health specialists for many years on the effectiveness and safety of adding fluoride to our drinking water.”
As Mansfield stated, it is a naturally occurring mineral, saying if it is added to water at the recommended level of 0.7ppm (part per million) it is perfectly safe. It is very effective in reducing tooth decay.
“Fluoride acts in multiple ways to prevent tooth decay. It forms very strong fluorapatite, which is an enamel mineral that is more resistant to acid dissolution, (tooth decay occurs when plaque bacteria produce acid that destroys tooth enamel and dentin). Fluoride also promotes remineralization of enamel after an acid attack by attracting calcium ions, which in turn attract more fluoride. Fluoride also inhibits plaque bacteria.”
Testing in North America decades ago showed a reduction of tooth decay in both children and adults during the period of water fluoridation in test trials. Mansfield said according to the Government of Canada, tooth decay in permanent teeth declined in children from 74% of children in 1970-72 to 25% in 2007-09 due to many factors, including water fluoridation. It is of great benefit in this area for certain populations.
“Low-income Canadians are those that are at highest risk for tooth decay,” she explained. “Water fluoridation benefits these individuals the most.”
Boissevain-Morton is one of the communities that adds fluoride to its water. Head of Council Judy Swanson does not know how long this has been happening, but would not be surprised if it dates back to the start of the public water system in the 1950’s. She said somewhere down the line it was decided in Boissevain, like so many other communities, that the addition of fluoride helped strengthen teeth and fight cavities.
Swanson added they do not put much in Boissevain water, saying it is about .05 ml per litre (an equivalent to .05ppm). As well, she stressed the water in town is highly regulated and regularly tested.
“When I was looking this up, I found there are about 50% of municipalities who do this now,” Swanson said. “It is at the discretion of municipalities.”
Mansfield also operates a clinic in Killarney, which does not add fluoride to their water. According to the Municipality of Turtle Mountain, they do not need to do so as they have fluoride naturally occurring in their raw water.
At any rate, Mansfield said she hopes they continue with water fluoridation in Boissevain.
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff