I've been asked about my opinion on water fluoridation quite a bit lately as people ponder the question prior to the vote this fall. The last time this was voted on in 1998, Calgarians were in favor of it.
From what I have read from several sources, the addition of fluoride to the water appears to have benefits to oral health, especially in children. This has been echoed in recent conversations I've had with dentists and doctors on the topic.
Further, in a paper released by Alberta Health, "Alberta Health, along with Alberta Health Services, Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the United States Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization, continue to monitor scientific evidence on this issue and continue to support fluoridation as a safe and effective way to prevent dental disease."
From that research it is my opinion that water fluoridation in general is a good idea. That being said, as Alberta Health and Health Canada support fluoridation and healthcare is primarily a provincial and federal responsibility, I would like to petition those levels of government for financial support of the fluoridation project.
Links:
Water Fluoridation in Alberta
Alberta Health Position on Water Fluoridation
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