Dr. Kelly Keyes has been running a thriving dental clinic in Saint John for thirty years, catering to patients of various age groups. However, she has grown increasingly concerned about the deteriorating oral health of her younger patients. Some of these patients now require hospital treatment after enduring long waiting times, adding strain to the healthcare system.
In the 1980s, the addition of fluoride to Saint John’s drinking water played a crucial role in maintaining oral health by strengthening enamel and inhibiting plaque bacteria. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, city councilors opted to discontinue the fluoridation program, saving $177,000 annually but potentially leading to higher dental health costs for residents.
Despite objections from local dentists and physicians, the removal of fluoride from the water supply proceeded. Since then, Dr. Keyes noted a significant decline in oral health among the city’s most vulnerable population, particularly children under four years old experiencing severe tooth decay.
The repercussions of poor dental health in children extend beyond physical discomfort, often resulting in school absences, low self-esteem, and long-term health issues like heart disease. While some areas in Canada, such as Brantford, embraced water fluoridation in the 1940s, ongoing debates surrounding its benefits and drawbacks persist.
In Saint John, Mayor Donna Reardon and a few councilors supported retaining fluoride in the city’s water supply. Mayor Reardon emphasized the need for a provincial government-led approach to oral health policies rather than leaving it as a municipal responsibility, promoting consistency and access to dental care across communities.
The absence of post-fluoride removal data in New Brunswick is a concern for Paul Blanchard, the executive director of the New Brunswick Dental Society. He highlighted Saint John’s high rate of surgical cavity interventions in young children and called for comprehensive oral health assessments to address the worsening dental health situation post-fluoride removal.
While some municipalities in Canada are reintroducing fluoride into their water systems due to deteriorating dental health indicators, challenges persist in reinstating preventive measures like fluoride programs. Dr. Keyes stressed the importance of fluoride in preventing tooth decay, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and overall significance in promoting oral health for all age groups.
As the debate on water fluoridation continues, the impact of its removal on Saint John’s population, especially vulnerable groups, remains a pressing concern. The quest for evidence-based decisions and government support in addressing oral health disparities underscores the ongoing need for proactive dental care initiatives.
