Dr. Kelly Keyes, a long-time dental practitioner in Saint John, has expressed concerns about the deteriorating oral health of younger patients in the city. Some of these patients now require hospital treatment after facing extended wait times, adding strain to the healthcare system. Keyes emphasized the importance of fluoride in the city’s drinking water, noting its role in protecting teeth from decay by strengthening enamel and inhibiting plaque bacteria.
Despite the significant benefits of water fluoridation, the city of Saint John decided to discontinue the program in a cost-saving measure, saving taxpayers $177,000 annually. This move, opposed by local dentists and physicians, has had adverse effects on the community’s dental health, particularly impacting vulnerable populations over the past 12 years.
Dr. Keyes highlighted the distressing consequences for children, including school disruptions due to toothaches, loss of self-esteem from decay and extractions at a young age, and the potential long-term implications such as heart disease. While the debate on water fluoridation has persisted for years, with concerns about cost and fluorosis, the removal of fluoride in Saint John has had tangible negative effects on dental health.
Mayor Donna Reardon, who supported retaining fluoride in the city’s water supply, emphasized the need for provincial government involvement in determining oral health policies instead of leaving it to municipalities. She lamented the challenges of reinstating fluoride, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and evidence-based decision-making.
Paul Blanchard from the New Brunswick Dental Society highlighted the lack of data on the impact of fluoride removal on dental health in the province. He underscored the urgent need for comprehensive oral health assessments and prevention programs, urging government action to address the worsening dental health situation.
While some municipalities in other provinces have reintroduced fluoride following alarming dental health trends, Saint John continues to grapple with the repercussions of discontinuing water fluoridation. Dr. Keyes emphasized the cost-effectiveness of preventive measures like fluoridation, citing the importance of public education on dental health practices.
The absence of fluoride in municipal water supplies has raised concerns about safety and efficacy, with Keyes dedicating significant time to educating patients on the benefits of fluoride treatments. The prevalence of preventable dental issues among children and adults underscores the impact of removing fluoride, particularly on marginalized communities, highlighting a persistent challenge that demands immediate attention.
