Community Water Fluoridation

Oral health and general health are strongly linked. Fluoride has been shown to improve oral health, which is strongly linked to improved general health.

Community water fluoridation has been identified by the Canadian Public Health Association as one of the twelve great public health milestones in the past 100 years. The use of fluoride in the prevention of tooth decay continues to be endorsed by over 90 national and international professional health organizations, and is recommended by Saskatchewan's Medical Health Officers.

An appropriate amount of fluoride is effective to prevent tooth decay. Fluorides are found naturally to some extent in the soil, some foods and water. All humans ingest fluoride on a daily basis. Individuals also benefit from fluoride in the form of toothpastes and rinses. Dental professionals provide added protection with the application of gels, foams and varnishes. Several communities adjust the concentration of fluoride in their drinking water. This is called community water fluoridation.

Community water fluoridation is known to improve dental health safely and effectively at a very reasonable cost. Most communities in Saskatchewan have between 0.1 - 0.2 mg/Litre of naturally occurring fluoride in their water. For dental benefits, the recommended optimal level of fluoride is 0.7 mg/Litre. The decision to fluoridate is made locally at the community level. In Saskatchewan, 58 communities have opted for community water fluoridation.