Community Water Fluoridation (CWF)

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that exists in nearly all water sources. Ground water dissolves the fluoride from rocks into the soil and water. Drinking fluoridated water is linked with reduced tooth decay.

The fluoride in drinking water works in two ways. For people of all ages, it works on tooth surfaces. Our mouths contain bacteria that mix with sugars in the foods we eat and the beverages we drink. These bacteria produce an acid that harms our teeth. Fluoride strengthens teeth by neutralizing this acid and protecting our teeth from decay. Fluoridated water also works systemically when young children whose teeth are still forming, consume fluoridated water. Fluoride combines with the minerals on the developing teeth and makes teeth more resistant to decay, especially during the first few years after they come into the mouth. Research has confirmed that systemic use of fluoride increases the concentration of fluoride in the surface enamel of teeth.

Community water fluoridation (CWF) is the process of monitoring and adjusting the level of fluoride in drinking water to optimize the dental benefits of preventing cavities. Research has shown that the optimal level for fluoride for cavity prevention is 0.7 milligrams/liter (mg/L) or 0.7 parts per million (ppm). CWF is a global strategy to reduce dental cavities, as many communities around the world have access to CWF.

Internationally, many public health agencies have endorsed CWF, including the World Health Organization, the Canadian Dental Association, and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

CWF is a cost-effective and equitable method to provide fluoride to the population. This population-based preventive intervention contributes to oral health equity by overcoming common social determinants of health including age, education, income, and access to professional dental care.

For more information on CWF, consult the Government of Canada’s Fact sheet - Community Water Fluoridation.

According to the best available scientific evidence, water fluoridation does not have an adverse effect on human reproduction, fertility or birth rates.

Generally infant formula can safely be prepared with water containing fluoride. Parents and caregivers should discuss any questions or concerns they may have with their health care providers.

The best available science-based evidence does not establish a causal relationship between drinking water fluoridated at recommended levels and lowered intelligence (IQ) or behavioural disorders in children.

The best available scientific evidence indicates optimally fluoridated water does not adversely effect the thyroid gland or its function.

The best available scientific evidence indicates that water fluoridation does not cause the early onset of puberty.

Leading health and medical organizations agree: fluoridated water is both safe and effective. According to the best available scientific evidence, there is no association between human cancer rates and drinking water that is fluoridated at the recommended level.

The best available scientific evidence has not indicated an association between drinking optimally fluoridated water and Alzheimer’s disease. Contact your health care provider or local Alzheimer Society if you have any questions about Alzheimer’s.

Yes. Fluoridation is a protective factor against tooth decay throughout one’s lifespan, benefiting both children and adults.

For more information on fluoride and oral health, visit the Government of Canada’s website.

No. There is no scientific evidence to support claims that fluoridated water corrodes water pipes. The acidity or pH of drinking water changes minimally by the process of fluoridating water and will not corrode water pipes.