By Rebbeca Marroquin

Sask. doctor advocates fluoride in drinking water after Nipawin’s opt out

Aug 29, 2017 | 12:52 PM

A Saskatchewan Medical Officer is urging rural communities to consider the benefits of adding controlled amounts of fluoride in their drinking water.

Dr. Mohammad A. Khan with the Kelsey Trail Health Region conducted a presentation in front of Nipawin council members about the benefits of fluoridating drinking water after their decision to opt out earlier this month. After the presentation, the majority stood by their original decison. 

Khan said fluoride is a natural occurring element present in soil but the available quantity is not enough to prevent tooth decay. He said there are many studies that prove fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and protects teeth from harmful acids. The studies, he said, are supported by international and national health and dental organizations.

“As a public health officer, if you look at the 10 greatest achievements of public health, water fluoridation is one of the 10,” he said.

According to the latest Saskatchewan Community Fluoride Data, 61 Sask. communities have discontinued community fluoridation since 1969, while 58 are still involved. 48 of those communities have fluoride at the optimal amount of 0.70 mg/L.

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The report showed Prince Albert discontinued water fluoridation in 2008, and is currently sitting at a fluoride level of 0.05.

Dr. Khan argues lower income families living in rural communities that opt out of water fluoridation are at loss.

“Usually it’s the most vulnerable who have these health issues and they cannot afford to go to a hygienist or dentist,” he said, adding that water fluoridation is a cost-effective preventative measure because it only costs up to $1 per person each year.

He said most of the time communities opt out without first becoming properly informed on the subject.

“I know that people do get influenced by the information present in the Internet… there are some scary things,” he said.

Dr. Khan said there is one negative side effect known as fluorosis, which is discoloration of the teeth, that only happens with very high concentrations of fluoride. But he argues there are negative effects of overdosing on anything, not just fluoride. 

A spokesperson from Nipawin city hall did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

rebbeca.marroquin@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @becamarroquin