Opposition

Opposition to community water fluoridation has existed since the practice was implemented (McLaren & McIntyre, 2011). Opponents often argue that water fluoridation can cause health problems. Adverse effects of over-exposure to fluoride include dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and toxicity. Dental fluorosis can range from mild white striations in the enamel to severe brown staining and pitting (Stoneman, 2014). Generally, communities with water fluoridation have a higher prevalence of dental fluorosis in comparison to communities that do not have fluoridated water (Stoneman, 2014). Skeletal fluorosis is a crippling disease caused by prolonged exposure of ≥ 10mg of fluoride per day for at least ten years, but it is extremely …show more content…
Similarly, Rabb-Waytowich’s states that, “credible scientific research continues to support the conclusion that water fluoridation is safe at optimal levels and is an effective means of caries prevention” (2009, p. 453). Additionally, the research I reviewed continued to align with the Government of Canada’s position statement on the topic: “Community water fluoridation remains a safe, cost-effective and equitable public health practice and an important tool in protecting and maintaining the health and well-being of Canadians” (Taylor & Taylor, 2016, para. …show more content…
(2010). Report on the findings of the oral health component of the Canadian
Health Measures Survey, 2007-2009. Ottawa: Minister of Health.
McDonagh, M., Whiting, P., Wilson, P., Sutton, A., Chestnutt, I., Cooper, J., et al. (2000).
Systematic review of water fluoridation. BMJ. 321(7265):855-9.
McLaren, L. & McIntyre, Lynn. (2011). Drinking water fluoridation in Canada: Review and synthesis of published literature. University of Calgary Department of Community Health Sciences. Retrieved from http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/poph/hi-poph-surv-phids-drinking-water-fluoridation.pdf
Rabb-Waytowich, D. (2009). Water fluoridation in Canada: past and present. Journal of the
Canadian Dental Association, 75(6). Retrieved from https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-75/issue-6/451.pdf
Stoneman, J. (2014). Community water fluoridation in Canada: Trends, benefits, and risks. S.l.:
National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health.
Taylor, G. & Taylor, J. (2016). Position Statement on Community Water Fluoridation.
Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/healthy-living/fluoride-position-statement.html
University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. (2012). Water Fluoridation Questions and