It’s good to remember that CWF is just one of many factors involved in the prevention of oral disease. Sugar consumption has grown at an alarming rate for the past 25 years, which has increased dental caries. Dentists are certainly seeing this clinically and there’s also scientific evidence that is clear. Once sugar in the daily diet reaches a certain level, fluoride is not going to be sufficient to control caries. At CDA, we advocate for better nutrition, limits to advertising for children of unhealthy foods, and making water the drink of choice. QWhat would you say to dentists who have patients coming to their practice with questions or concerns because of misinformation about fluoride? AB: Canada and the dental profession have done an excellent job of managing the most common side effect of fluoride: dental fluorosis, with most cases being mild or very mild types of fluorosis. The most crucial knowledge that a dentist should have is a better understanding of the particular circumstances of your own community. In addition to discussing the use of toothpaste with families of young children, it is important to know if patients in your community rely on private wells and nonmonitored community water sources. If they do, you should advise patients to get their water tested. Local experts should be able to advise on frequency, but most wells will remain stable over a number of years. There are communities in Canada where naturally occurring fluoride levels far exceed the optimal 0.7 mg/L and approach 1.5 mg /L, which should not be consumed daily. Other naturally occurring minerals and metals in well water are associated with high fluoride and may have significant health implications, so thorough testing is a good idea. For other communities, there is no naturally occurring fluoride and the use of oral health care products that contain fluoride becomes even more important. In most major cities in Canada, fluoride in the local water supply is controlled in a precise and systematic manner optimizing the benefit, while minimizing risk. Related Resources: CDA Position on Water Fluoridation bit.ly/4eyCWSr Public Statement onCommunityWater Fluoridation bit.ly/4i6ViwE CochraneDatabase of Systematic Reviews Review: Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries bit.ly/3Obndhi Health Canada: Fluoride and Oral Health bit.ly/40PRwSa 15 Issue 6 | 2024 | CDA atWork
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