The city of Calgary in Canada has formally announced the reintroduction of fluoride into the public water supply. This reintroduction is the latest chapter in Calgary’s long and complex relationship with water fluoridation. At a time when fluoride is being debated intensely, it will be interesting to see how Calgarians, politicians, and scientists react.
The history of the city of Calgary and Water fluoridation is complex, full of twists and turns, and at times, controversy.
Now, the latest milestone moment has taken place, with fluoride having been officially reintroduced to the public water supply [1].
At a time when water fluoridation is a topic of intense debate, the United States and other Canadian cities will be watching to see what impact it has.
What is Water Fluoridation?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in air, soil, and many foods. It also occurs naturally in water. Fluoride is a key ingredient in toothpaste and other oral health products.
Water fluoridation refers to when fluoride is added (in small quantities) to the public water supply. This is done with the intention of improving the oral health of citizens in the area.
The practice is supported by dentists and scientists and is seen as an effective way of improving the oral health of the general population.
History of Calgary and water fluoridation
As mentioned, Calgary has quite the history with water fluoridation. Back in the 1950s, various countries were adopting the practice of water fluoridation.
But in 1957, 1961, 1966, and 1971, Calgarians voted against fluoridation in four plebiscites [2]. For almost two decades, the topic was rather quiet.
But in 1989, a fifth plebiscite resulted in Calgarians voting in favour of fluoridation. Therefore, in 1991, fluoride was officially added to Calgary’s water [2].
Between 1998 and 1999, the level of fluoride was lessened, but support remained, with a 1999 plebiscite resulting in fluoridation remaining [2].
Then, in 2011 the city of Calgary discontinued water fluoridation [2]. Around this time, support was still largely in favour of fluoridation.
The most recent update came in 2021, when Calgarians voted for fluoridation to be reintroduced, with 62% of voters supporting this measure [2].
Now, four years later, fluoride has been formally reintroduced into the public water supply across Calgary. The City of Calgary’s Water Services department confirmed that “Fluoride will be reintroduced into Calgary’s drinking water” in an official statement [1].
Wider debate on water fluoridation
This announcement comes at a time when the topic of water fluoridation is receiving significant public and political attention.
This has been in part due to the actions and comments of United States Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, who has been a long-standing critic of fluoride, calling it “industrial waste” [3].
Both Utah and Florida have banned water fluoridation statewide [4]. It looks like other states may follow soon.
One of the key concerns about fluoride is its apparent links to lowering the IQ levels of children. A recent research paper found a link between exposure to high levels of fluoride and lower IQs in children [5].
But supporters of water fluoridation – including dentists – have pointed out that the levels of fluoride seen in the study were higher than the level of fluoride in the water supply.
Other concerns include fluorosis – where too much fluoride is consumed, the potential for a negative impact on thyroid function, risks of behavioral issues in children, and a lack of informed consent.
Calgary and Edmonton study
Water fluoridation has many proponents. Many of these advocates point to a well-known study that shows the positive impact water fluoridation can have on children.
This study compared the oral health of children in the Canadian cities of Calgary and Edmonton [6]. These were used for comparison as Calgary stopped water fluoridation in 2011, whilst Edmonton has continued the practice.
Interestingly, the study found that since 2011, tooth decay in Calgary has increased significantly when compared to Edmonton [6]. Meanwhile, Edmonton’s has stayed largely the same.
Therefore, the researchers were able to conclude that the cessation of water fluoridation in Calgary was associated with a negative impact on the oral health of children.
The above study has been cited by many scientists to underline the positive impact water fluoridation has, along with the damage caused by a lack of fluoridation.
Summary
It will be interesting to see how Calgarians react to the implementation of water fluoridation. This is especially due to the ongoing debate over fluoride.
It is likely that conclusions on its effectiveness will not be made for several years. It will take time to see how Calgary and its citizens respond.
Meanwhile, further research into fluoride will continue. It is likely to be a topic that will remain in the news for many years to come.
But as seen in the Calgary and Edmonton study, there is the potential for a positive impact. Yet weighing up the benefits with the potential drawbacks is where the debate intensifies.
Thinking points…
[1] Remember that if you live in an area with fluoridated water, this isn’t enough to ensure your oral health remains strong! Instead, you need to make sure you adopt excellent oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. Moreover, attending regular dental check-ups is very important, as they provide a dentist with the chance to look for any problems and give advice. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!
[2] The topic of water fluoridation is definitely a contested subject area. But remember that whether you live in a fluoridated area or not, water is crucial to drink! Water helps to neutralize acid levels in your mouth and stimulates the flow of saliva. So the next time you reach for a soft drink or juice, try water instead! This can aid your oral health!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Al-Shibeeb, D. (2025). Calgary’s fluoride reinstatement serves as cautionary tale for U.S., Quebec. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/dental-governance-regulations/calgarys-fluoride-reinstatement-serves-as-cautionary-tale-for-u-s-quebec-1003987839/. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.
[2] Calgary. (2025). Fluoride in Calgary’s water. Available: https://www.calgary.ca/water/drinking-water/fluoride.html?cid=search-googsearch-fluoride-reintroduction-2025-search-fluoride-reintro-en-ls&gad. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.
[3] Kounang, N., Hassan, C., & McPhillips, D. (2024). RFK Jr. says fluoride is ‘an industrial waste’ linked to cancer, diseases and disorders. Here’s what the science says. Available: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/03/health/rfk-jr-fluoride-science. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.
[4] Pedersen, J. M. (2025).Florida ends fluoridating its water July 1. Here’s what you should know. Available: https://www.cfpublic.org/politics/2025-07-01/florida-ends-fluoridating-its-water-july-1-heres-what-you-should-know. Last accessed: 4th July 2025.
[5] Taylor, K. W., Eftim, S. E., & Sibrizzi, C. A. (2025). Fluoride Exposure and Children’s IQ Scores. JAMA Pediatrics. 179 (3): p282-292. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.5542.
[6] McLaren, L., Patterson, S. K., Faris, P., Chen, G., Thawer, S., Figueiredo, R., Weijs, C., McNeil, D., Waye, A., & Potestio, M. (2021). Fluoridation cessation and children’s dental caries: A 7-year follow-up evaluation of Grade 2 schoolchildren in Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. 50 (5): p391-403. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12685.
