WAWA — Public health officials are urging council to continue having fluoride added to their water, as nearly one in three local kindergarten students have signs of tooth decay.
Algoma Public Health medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Loo and dental hygienist Natalie Carriere delivered a presentation about the benefits of community water fluoridation to the Wawa municipal council Tuesday evening.
Loo and Carriere laid out some startling statistics about local dental coverage and the current rate of tooth decay among children in the North Algoma region, which includes Wawa, White River, and Dubreuilville.
The ratio of dentists to residents in the area is one for nearly every 4,000 people, compared to a national average of one dentist per 1,600 people. As well, at least 31 per cent of children in JK/SK in Wawa are currently suffering or have a prior history of tooth decay.
Community water fluoridation aims to reduce the number of residents affected by tooth decay or dental-related issues significantly, as it has proven in many municipalities across Southern Ontario, by up to 25 per cent in children and adults.
Exposing teeth to low levels of fluoride at a constant rate deters oral bacteria, acts to harden tooth enamel, and builds stronger teeth via tooth surface re-mineralization.
Based on the statistics presented by Loo and Carriere, water fluoridation is the “single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.”
Concerns were raised about the true efficacy of fluoridation. Coun. Cathy Cannon and Coun. Micheline Hatfield both posed questions about sustainability and the number of cities and towns engaged in water fluoridation. Cannon seemed specifically interested in why other communities have opted out of fluoridation.
Meanwhile, Mayor Melanie Pilon voiced support.
“I am a proponent for water fluoridation,” Pilon said. “Certainly, as an advocate and ally for minority community members. I feel like this is a very important issue.”
Ultimately, Loo and Carriere reminded members of council that the numbers speak for themselves.
“The overwhelming weight of credible scientific evidence has consistently indicated that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe,” said Carriere. “Good oral health is important for overall health.”
Pilon did not mention exactly when a decision will be reached regarding fluoridation but did stress that it was a "big decision" for council to make.
