Calgary Community Water Fluoridation

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This page will remain available for you to access the resources. For more information visit www.ahs.ca/oralhealth.

This page provides information on community water fluoridation, the opportunity to ask an expert your questions and information about upcoming information sessions hosted by AHS experts. AHS is working with our partners to provide Calgarians the information they need to make an informed decision on October 18th, 2021. 

Calgary Water Fluoride

On October 18th, Calgarians will have an opportunity to vote on community water fluoridation. While there is fluoride in all fresh water, community water fluoridation adjusts the fluoride level in the public water supply to the level recommended to prevent tooth decay.

We know there is a lot of information out there - we have created this page for you to ask questions, check myths, learn about upcoming information sessions, and have easy access to reliable resources.

On the right hand side you can see links to evidence-based information about community water fluoridation, posters, and details of upcoming information sessions.

Upcoming public information sessions

  • September 29: 12:00-1:00pm
  • October 7: 5:00-6:00pm

This page provides information on community water fluoridation, the opportunity to ask an expert your questions and information about upcoming information sessions hosted by AHS experts. AHS is working with our partners to provide Calgarians the information they need to make an informed decision on October 18th, 2021. 

Calgary Water Fluoride

On October 18th, Calgarians will have an opportunity to vote on community water fluoridation. While there is fluoride in all fresh water, community water fluoridation adjusts the fluoride level in the public water supply to the level recommended to prevent tooth decay.

We know there is a lot of information out there - we have created this page for you to ask questions, check myths, learn about upcoming information sessions, and have easy access to reliable resources.

On the right hand side you can see links to evidence-based information about community water fluoridation, posters, and details of upcoming information sessions.

Upcoming public information sessions

  • September 29: 12:00-1:00pm
  • October 7: 5:00-6:00pm

This page will remain available for you to access the resources. For more information visit www.ahs.ca/oralhealth.

We know there is a lot of information available about community water fluoridation and we want to help you get accurate and reliable information.

Share any questions, myths, or rumors you may have seen or heard and one of our medical experts will respond. 

All information provided is accurate as of the date of posting. If you need medical advice please call HealthLink at 811, or if this is an emergency please call 911.

  • Share Thank you for the O'Brien (UofC) report which is available through “What does the science say”(External link) . On P 21, It states that "An increase in the mother’s urinary fluoride by 0.5mg/L predicted a lowering of 2.5 IQ points." This is a huge drop! (more than 10% of the way to being intellectually disabled). There is also issues with attention deficit noted in the report. I don't understand how our governments can be promoting CWF without this being studied further. on Facebook Share Thank you for the O'Brien (UofC) report which is available through “What does the science say”(External link) . On P 21, It states that "An increase in the mother’s urinary fluoride by 0.5mg/L predicted a lowering of 2.5 IQ points." This is a huge drop! (more than 10% of the way to being intellectually disabled). There is also issues with attention deficit noted in the report. I don't understand how our governments can be promoting CWF without this being studied further. on Twitter Share Thank you for the O'Brien (UofC) report which is available through “What does the science say”(External link) . On P 21, It states that "An increase in the mother’s urinary fluoride by 0.5mg/L predicted a lowering of 2.5 IQ points." This is a huge drop! (more than 10% of the way to being intellectually disabled). There is also issues with attention deficit noted in the report. I don't understand how our governments can be promoting CWF without this being studied further. on Linkedin Email Thank you for the O'Brien (UofC) report which is available through “What does the science say”(External link) . On P 21, It states that "An increase in the mother’s urinary fluoride by 0.5mg/L predicted a lowering of 2.5 IQ points." This is a huge drop! (more than 10% of the way to being intellectually disabled). There is also issues with attention deficit noted in the report. I don't understand how our governments can be promoting CWF without this being studied further. link

    Thank you for the O'Brien (UofC) report which is available through “What does the science say”(External link) . On P 21, It states that "An increase in the mother’s urinary fluoride by 0.5mg/L predicted a lowering of 2.5 IQ points." This is a huge drop! (more than 10% of the way to being intellectually disabled). There is also issues with attention deficit noted in the report. I don't understand how our governments can be promoting CWF without this being studied further.

    Bruce1 asked about 3 years ago

    The scientific literature on CWF is quite extensive with many systematic reviews, meta-analysis and many other single studies. To make any health recommendation, it is really important to appraise the quality of the studies and evaluate the applicability of their findings to the general population. After appraising all researches, the best scientific evidence available concludes that CWF is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay.

    The study mentioned in your question is one single study showing an association with fluoride and unwanted health effects. With the scientific appraisal of this study and identification of its methodological limitations it was concluded that more research in this specific area is necessary. The findings of the study were not applicable to the general population or to the recommended level of fluoride as 0.7ppm

  • Share HI, I have several questions 1. Is there evidence that water fluoridation is beneficial above and beyond good oral hygiene and good diet? 2. I would love to hear comments on the recently published study in JAMA pediatrics on fluoride in pregnancy and impact on offspring's intellectual functioning. 3. there is a relatively large body of evidence of impact of high fluoride ingestion and intellectual development in children. How can one be sure that it is not harmful at low levels? Have there been studies looking at levels currently proposed for our water, versus no fluoride? 4. it seems difficult to control intake if its in the water. Is it possible to get too much fluoride if one drinks more? on Facebook Share HI, I have several questions 1. Is there evidence that water fluoridation is beneficial above and beyond good oral hygiene and good diet? 2. I would love to hear comments on the recently published study in JAMA pediatrics on fluoride in pregnancy and impact on offspring's intellectual functioning. 3. there is a relatively large body of evidence of impact of high fluoride ingestion and intellectual development in children. How can one be sure that it is not harmful at low levels? Have there been studies looking at levels currently proposed for our water, versus no fluoride? 4. it seems difficult to control intake if its in the water. Is it possible to get too much fluoride if one drinks more? on Twitter Share HI, I have several questions 1. Is there evidence that water fluoridation is beneficial above and beyond good oral hygiene and good diet? 2. I would love to hear comments on the recently published study in JAMA pediatrics on fluoride in pregnancy and impact on offspring's intellectual functioning. 3. there is a relatively large body of evidence of impact of high fluoride ingestion and intellectual development in children. How can one be sure that it is not harmful at low levels? Have there been studies looking at levels currently proposed for our water, versus no fluoride? 4. it seems difficult to control intake if its in the water. Is it possible to get too much fluoride if one drinks more? on Linkedin Email HI, I have several questions 1. Is there evidence that water fluoridation is beneficial above and beyond good oral hygiene and good diet? 2. I would love to hear comments on the recently published study in JAMA pediatrics on fluoride in pregnancy and impact on offspring's intellectual functioning. 3. there is a relatively large body of evidence of impact of high fluoride ingestion and intellectual development in children. How can one be sure that it is not harmful at low levels? Have there been studies looking at levels currently proposed for our water, versus no fluoride? 4. it seems difficult to control intake if its in the water. Is it possible to get too much fluoride if one drinks more? link

    HI, I have several questions 1. Is there evidence that water fluoridation is beneficial above and beyond good oral hygiene and good diet? 2. I would love to hear comments on the recently published study in JAMA pediatrics on fluoride in pregnancy and impact on offspring's intellectual functioning. 3. there is a relatively large body of evidence of impact of high fluoride ingestion and intellectual development in children. How can one be sure that it is not harmful at low levels? Have there been studies looking at levels currently proposed for our water, versus no fluoride? 4. it seems difficult to control intake if its in the water. Is it possible to get too much fluoride if one drinks more?

    Marty asked about 3 years ago

    Community water fluoridation is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. It is also safe to drink fluoridated water during pregnancy.

    The best scientific evidence available in Canada and around the world supports community water fluoridation as safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. Other than mild or very mild dental fluorosis, the recommended water fluoridation level (0.7mg/l) does not have other unwanted health outcomes.

    The evidence on fluoride and any unwanted health outcome is weak, it comes from single studies, and it is not applicable to the general population or for fluoride at the concentration recommended for community water fluoridation. The best scientific evidence available supports and recommend community water fluoridation for preventing tooth decay. Two studies from Mexico where salt fluoridation is used as opposed to community water fluoridation (CWF), found an association between mothers’ maternal urine fluoride concentration with IQ scores and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in their children. The study conducted in Canada, about maternal urine fluoride concentration levels had several methodological limitations and the findings were not applicable to the general population.. After carefully reviewing this new research,  Health Canada concluded that the studies provide weak evidence, and the findings are  not generalizable and they cannot infer causality. A subsequent rapid review of this new evidence by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health supports this conclusion. The overall weight of evidence on the relationship between CWF and cognition continues to support the safety of CWF; Alberta Health will continue to monitor new evidence in this area.

    To assist with the understanding of health decisions based on scientific evidence, it’s important to understand the difference between findings of a single research/study and the findings from an assembly of studies. Findings from a single study are not always applicable to every population or community. If single studies have been rigorously conducted (using good scientific research methods), they may become part of the overall pool of a larger systematic review. Systematic reviews of the available scientific evidence provide a broader understanding and application to the general population. They provide policy makers more information and confidence for public health recommendations.  

    This is the case with community water fluoridation: the current extensive body of scientific evidence supports and recommends CWF as a safe, effective and economical measure to prevent tooth decay. 

  • Share Would it not be cheaper and MUCH healthier to encourage people to reduce the sugar in their familys' diet? on Facebook Share Would it not be cheaper and MUCH healthier to encourage people to reduce the sugar in their familys' diet? on Twitter Share Would it not be cheaper and MUCH healthier to encourage people to reduce the sugar in their familys' diet? on Linkedin Email Would it not be cheaper and MUCH healthier to encourage people to reduce the sugar in their familys' diet? link

    Would it not be cheaper and MUCH healthier to encourage people to reduce the sugar in their familys' diet?

    jillsy asked about 3 years ago

    Eating a healthy diet, as well as brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, visiting your dentist regularly, and drinking fluoridated water, all contribute to good oral health. Community water fluoridation is one factor in a multi-pronged approach to prevent tooth decay.

    Fluoridated water is effective because it keeps a low level of fluoride in the mouth, protecting teeth against acid attacks and can help reverse early stages of tooth decay. Ingested fluoride is incorporated into the structure of developing teeth during childhood, making the tooth enamel more resistant to decay after the teeth erupt.

    Data from the last 10 years shows an average of 37,000 dental visits to Alberta emergency departments (ED) per year for dental problems. This includes more than 12,000 visits to Calgary-area EDs in 2019 alone. With the cost of an ED visit between $150 and $225, the annual cost is upwards of $2 million for Calgary Zone.

    Community water fluoridation effectively helps prevent tooth decay, especially among the most vulnerable. Every $1 spent on community water fluoridation can save up to $93 per person in dental treatment costs. 

    Fluoridated tap water is accessible to everyone connected to the municipal water supply, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, education, income, race or ethnicity.

  • Share Does the type of fluoride they add to the water supply helps everyone or just children? on Facebook Share Does the type of fluoride they add to the water supply helps everyone or just children? on Twitter Share Does the type of fluoride they add to the water supply helps everyone or just children? on Linkedin Email Does the type of fluoride they add to the water supply helps everyone or just children? link

    Does the type of fluoride they add to the water supply helps everyone or just children?

    jollyhones asked about 3 years ago

    Fluoride helps to keep your teeth healthy at any age. From the time you are a baby to your senior years, fluoride strengthens teeth and repairs damage caused by tooth decay acids. Getting an early start using fluoride has life-long benefits. Adults have less decay if they start using fluoride when they’re children.

  • Share Where can we vote? on Facebook Share Where can we vote? on Twitter Share Where can we vote? on Linkedin Email Where can we vote? link

    Where can we vote?

    PubicWig asked about 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question. Voting information is available through the City of Calgary. You can find information about where and when to vote as well as what will be on your ballot here: https://www.calgary.ca/election.html(External link).

    Advanced voting is on October 4-10 and the final day to vote is October 18. Where to vote is determined by where you live, you can find information about that here: https://www.calgary.ca/election/information-for-voters/when-and-where-to-vote.html#where(External link). 

  • Share Please provide 2 or 3 large scale scientific studies that show that there is no increase in long term (>10 years) detrimental effects on the human body (e.g. cancers, auto-immune disorders, allergies, IQ reduction, etc.). I picked a few websites that don’t give strong support to adding fluoride to our drinking water and many reviews noted that “further studies are needed to clarify the possible links.” “It is surprising to find that little high quality research has been undertaken.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/water-fluoridation-and-cancer-risk.html https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/fluoridated-drinking-water/ WHO put out a good report (2004) but doesn’t address many of the other potential adverse effects. https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/fluoride.pdf on Facebook Share Please provide 2 or 3 large scale scientific studies that show that there is no increase in long term (>10 years) detrimental effects on the human body (e.g. cancers, auto-immune disorders, allergies, IQ reduction, etc.). I picked a few websites that don’t give strong support to adding fluoride to our drinking water and many reviews noted that “further studies are needed to clarify the possible links.” “It is surprising to find that little high quality research has been undertaken.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/water-fluoridation-and-cancer-risk.html https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/fluoridated-drinking-water/ WHO put out a good report (2004) but doesn’t address many of the other potential adverse effects. https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/fluoride.pdf on Twitter Share Please provide 2 or 3 large scale scientific studies that show that there is no increase in long term (>10 years) detrimental effects on the human body (e.g. cancers, auto-immune disorders, allergies, IQ reduction, etc.). I picked a few websites that don’t give strong support to adding fluoride to our drinking water and many reviews noted that “further studies are needed to clarify the possible links.” “It is surprising to find that little high quality research has been undertaken.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/water-fluoridation-and-cancer-risk.html https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/fluoridated-drinking-water/ WHO put out a good report (2004) but doesn’t address many of the other potential adverse effects. https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/fluoride.pdf on Linkedin Email Please provide 2 or 3 large scale scientific studies that show that there is no increase in long term (>10 years) detrimental effects on the human body (e.g. cancers, auto-immune disorders, allergies, IQ reduction, etc.). I picked a few websites that don’t give strong support to adding fluoride to our drinking water and many reviews noted that “further studies are needed to clarify the possible links.” “It is surprising to find that little high quality research has been undertaken.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/water-fluoridation-and-cancer-risk.html https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/fluoridated-drinking-water/ WHO put out a good report (2004) but doesn’t address many of the other potential adverse effects. https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/fluoride.pdf link

    Please provide 2 or 3 large scale scientific studies that show that there is no increase in long term (>10 years) detrimental effects on the human body (e.g. cancers, auto-immune disorders, allergies, IQ reduction, etc.). I picked a few websites that don’t give strong support to adding fluoride to our drinking water and many reviews noted that “further studies are needed to clarify the possible links.” “It is surprising to find that little high quality research has been undertaken.” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/water-fluoridation-and-cancer-risk.html https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/fluoridated-drinking-water/ WHO put out a good report (2004) but doesn’t address many of the other potential adverse effects. https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/fluoride.pdf

    Bruce1 asked about 3 years ago

    Please visit “What does the science say” at AHS Oral Health  to find systematic reviews and studies of community water fluoridation that support it as a safe, economical practice to prevent tooth decay.

    Dr. Rafael Figueiredo, Provincial Dental Public Health Officer, Alberta Health Services

  • Share Toothpaste containing Sodium Fluoride is not to be swallowed and has a warning "Do not swallow. For children under 6 years, keep out of reach and to prevent swallowing provide adult supervision and use only a pea sized amount. If more is used and swallowed, get medical help or call a Poison Control Center immediately.” Please comment on this. on Facebook Share Toothpaste containing Sodium Fluoride is not to be swallowed and has a warning "Do not swallow. For children under 6 years, keep out of reach and to prevent swallowing provide adult supervision and use only a pea sized amount. If more is used and swallowed, get medical help or call a Poison Control Center immediately.” Please comment on this. on Twitter Share Toothpaste containing Sodium Fluoride is not to be swallowed and has a warning "Do not swallow. For children under 6 years, keep out of reach and to prevent swallowing provide adult supervision and use only a pea sized amount. If more is used and swallowed, get medical help or call a Poison Control Center immediately.” Please comment on this. on Linkedin Email Toothpaste containing Sodium Fluoride is not to be swallowed and has a warning "Do not swallow. For children under 6 years, keep out of reach and to prevent swallowing provide adult supervision and use only a pea sized amount. If more is used and swallowed, get medical help or call a Poison Control Center immediately.” Please comment on this. link

    Toothpaste containing Sodium Fluoride is not to be swallowed and has a warning "Do not swallow. For children under 6 years, keep out of reach and to prevent swallowing provide adult supervision and use only a pea sized amount. If more is used and swallowed, get medical help or call a Poison Control Center immediately.” Please comment on this.

    Bruce1 asked about 3 years ago

    Young children may ingest fluoride from toothpaste before they learn how to spit. Reference tables for the amount of fluoride ingested from fluoride toothpaste in children over the age of 6 months are used in the calculation of total daily fluoride intake to stay within total daily safe limits by age group. In recognizing that children do receive fluoride in this manner, Health Canada requires manufacturers provide instructions for the proper use of fluoride toothpaste for children.  AHS provides a factsheet - Fluoride Toothpaste Tips for Kids for additional information about the supervision and use of age appropriate amounts of fluoride toothpaste. 

    For accidental ingestion of large quantities of fluoride toothpaste, call PADIS – Poison and Drug Information Service – toll free at 1-800-332-1414

    Please visit “What does the science say” at AHS Oral Health  to find systematic reviews and studies of community water fluoridation that support it as a safe, economical practice to prevent tooth decay.

    Dr. Rafael Figueiredo, Provincial Dental Public Health Officer, Alberta Health Services

  • Share Fluoride is used by dentists and when we brush as a topical treatment on the surfaces of the teeth. Does it have a significant effect on teeth once it is swallowed? on Facebook Share Fluoride is used by dentists and when we brush as a topical treatment on the surfaces of the teeth. Does it have a significant effect on teeth once it is swallowed? on Twitter Share Fluoride is used by dentists and when we brush as a topical treatment on the surfaces of the teeth. Does it have a significant effect on teeth once it is swallowed? on Linkedin Email Fluoride is used by dentists and when we brush as a topical treatment on the surfaces of the teeth. Does it have a significant effect on teeth once it is swallowed? link

    Fluoride is used by dentists and when we brush as a topical treatment on the surfaces of the teeth. Does it have a significant effect on teeth once it is swallowed?

    Bruce1 asked about 3 years ago

    Ingesting fluoride from swallowing fluoride during an in-office topical fluoride application will not affect the teeth. High quality care minimizes swallowing and ingestion of fluoride.

    All ages benefit from brushing their teeth or having them brushed with an age-appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth decay. Young children can be at risk of developing dental fluorosis if they consistently swallow more toothpaste than recommended. This risk decreases with age so that by age 8 swallowing fluoride toothpaste will not contribute to dental fluorosis. 

    Please visit “What does the science say” at AHS Oral Health  to find systematic reviews and studies of community water fluoridation that support it as a safe, economical practice to prevent tooth decay.

    Dr. Rafael Figueiredo, Provincial Dental Public Health Officer, Alberta Health Services

  • Share I get it, even I had cavities show up after cessation in 2011... my dental was better back then. But flouride in the mouth is one thing. Flouride intake into the body is another. I'm trying to decide if there's enough evidence to show flouride has been demonstrated as safe. Can you provide more studies not on dental health but especially regarding male and female fertility and also women's health, that study the impact of proposed flouride intake into the body, and confirms that there aren't issues associated with proposed flouride levels... especially if you drink 2 L or more of Calgary water per day? Thank you. on Facebook Share I get it, even I had cavities show up after cessation in 2011... my dental was better back then. But flouride in the mouth is one thing. Flouride intake into the body is another. I'm trying to decide if there's enough evidence to show flouride has been demonstrated as safe. Can you provide more studies not on dental health but especially regarding male and female fertility and also women's health, that study the impact of proposed flouride intake into the body, and confirms that there aren't issues associated with proposed flouride levels... especially if you drink 2 L or more of Calgary water per day? Thank you. on Twitter Share I get it, even I had cavities show up after cessation in 2011... my dental was better back then. But flouride in the mouth is one thing. Flouride intake into the body is another. I'm trying to decide if there's enough evidence to show flouride has been demonstrated as safe. Can you provide more studies not on dental health but especially regarding male and female fertility and also women's health, that study the impact of proposed flouride intake into the body, and confirms that there aren't issues associated with proposed flouride levels... especially if you drink 2 L or more of Calgary water per day? Thank you. on Linkedin Email I get it, even I had cavities show up after cessation in 2011... my dental was better back then. But flouride in the mouth is one thing. Flouride intake into the body is another. I'm trying to decide if there's enough evidence to show flouride has been demonstrated as safe. Can you provide more studies not on dental health but especially regarding male and female fertility and also women's health, that study the impact of proposed flouride intake into the body, and confirms that there aren't issues associated with proposed flouride levels... especially if you drink 2 L or more of Calgary water per day? Thank you. link

    I get it, even I had cavities show up after cessation in 2011... my dental was better back then. But flouride in the mouth is one thing. Flouride intake into the body is another. I'm trying to decide if there's enough evidence to show flouride has been demonstrated as safe. Can you provide more studies not on dental health but especially regarding male and female fertility and also women's health, that study the impact of proposed flouride intake into the body, and confirms that there aren't issues associated with proposed flouride levels... especially if you drink 2 L or more of Calgary water per day? Thank you.

    Michelle P asked about 3 years ago

    Please visit “What does the science say” at AHS Oral Health  to find systematic reviews and studies of community water fluoridation that support it as a safe, economical practice to prevent tooth decay.

    Dr. Rafael Figueiredo, Provincial Dental Public Health Officer, Alberta Health Services

  • Share Are there any alternatives that other provinces or municipalities do to ensure all children receive adequate fluoride for dental health? When I was a child our school had monthly fluoride Rinse programs and yearly dental check up's. on Facebook Share Are there any alternatives that other provinces or municipalities do to ensure all children receive adequate fluoride for dental health? When I was a child our school had monthly fluoride Rinse programs and yearly dental check up's. on Twitter Share Are there any alternatives that other provinces or municipalities do to ensure all children receive adequate fluoride for dental health? When I was a child our school had monthly fluoride Rinse programs and yearly dental check up's. on Linkedin Email Are there any alternatives that other provinces or municipalities do to ensure all children receive adequate fluoride for dental health? When I was a child our school had monthly fluoride Rinse programs and yearly dental check up's. link

    Are there any alternatives that other provinces or municipalities do to ensure all children receive adequate fluoride for dental health? When I was a child our school had monthly fluoride Rinse programs and yearly dental check up's.

    JAY. T asked about 3 years ago

    Yes, there are other methods of providing fluoride, but community water fluoridation is the best method of providing safe, low cost, economical prevention of tooth decay for everyone - no matter their age or ability to seek out other forms of preventive dental care. Currently across the province AHS provides specific, targeted programs to prevent tooth decay. While these and other preventive programs are effective they are limited to specific groups as they are too costly to provide to the entire population. Even with the utilization of other methods of providing fluoride, community water fluoridation still prevents a 25% or better reduction in tooth decay in adults and children alike.

    Dr. Rafael Figueiredo, Provincial Dental Public Health Officer, Alberta Health Services