Calgary fluoride decision from 2011 should now be reconsidered, councillors say
Alberta-specific study shows spike in childhood tooth decay since city stopped adding fluoride to water supply
After city council voted to stop adding fluoride to Calgary's water supply in 2011, a group of councillors now wants to reconsider that decision.
The policy should be reviewed in the wake of an Alberta-specific study that found higher rates of tooth decay among Calgary kids as compared to Edmonton since Calgary stopped fluoridating its water, according to Couns. Peter Demong, Diane Colley-Urquhart and Richard Pootmans.
- Naturally occurring fluoride still routinely found in Calgary drinking water
- Lack of fluoride in Calgary water leads to rise in kids' tooth decay, study indicates
"When you see the results of the research and the impact this is having on kids ... it's something that we need to be mindful of," said Colley-Urquhart
"I just want there to be a real thorough review, you know, the most recent knowledge and practices that are out there in relation to fluoride."
The trio of councillors plans to introduce a motion at next week's council meeting calling on the city to invite experts from the University of Calgary's O'Brien Institute for Public Health to offer advice on the fluoride policy by December.