Ask a Dentist

August 20, 2020

Q: Why is there fluoride in Winnipeg water?

Side view of a black kitchen sink and tap with the water running

Having fluoride in our Winnipeg water helps to protect your teeth. Winnipeg has been adding fluoride to the tap water since 1956 at 0.7 parts per million. This is equivalent to adding three drops to a bathtub full of water. 

The extra fluoride that you get from drinking Winnipeg water helps to prevent tooth decay, protect against cavities and help to keep teeth strong.

Tooth decay is the leading cause of school absenteeism for children and is the second most common disease in the world, after the common cold. According to the Government of Ontario, fluoridated water reduces tooth decay in children’s teeth by up to 60 per cent and 40 per cent in adults. 

Fluoridated water protects your teeth by helping to build up tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel fights tooth decay and prevents cavities so keeping it strong is essential to your oral health. Studies also indicate that fluoride can reverse tooth decay. When we ingest it as children, fluoride becomes part of our tooth’s structure as our adult teeth form. It also provides topical protection through our saliva. After we drink it, fluoride is retained in the saliva and continually surrounds the teeth, making a barrier of protection. 

Fluoridated water also helps you save money. According to the Manitoba Dental Association, for every dollar spent adding fluoride to our tap water, an estimated $38 is saved in the cost of dental treatment.

And there is no scientific evidence to support allegations that water fluoridation is unsafe. The levels of fluoride in our Winnipeg water are strictly monitored and have a built-in margin of safety that takes into account fluoride from other sources. 

If you have any other questions about fluoride and fluoridated water, or are looking to get your teeth cleaned, book an appointment with one of our dentists today. Dental Image Therapy Centres has two locations in Winnipeg, one in St. Vital Centre and the other at Garden City Shopping Centre.

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