The MyHealth.Alberta.ca Network showcases trusted, easy-to-use health and wellness resources from Alberta Health Services and Alberta-based partner organizations. The network is led by MyHealth.Alberta.ca, Alberta’s source for consumer health information. Our partners are committed to helping Albertans better manage their health and wellbeing. Health experts across Alberta make sure that the information on these sites is accurate and up-to-date. Our partners include
Main Content
Adjusting fluoride in the public drinking water helps make your tooth enamel stronger and keeps your teeth healthy. This is called community water fluoridation. Research shows that the right amount of fluoride in drinking water lowers tooth decay in children and adults. Getting fluoride from different sources is the best way to protect you from tooth decay. A great way to get fluoride is to drink tap water with fluoride and brush every day with a fluoride toothpaste.
There’s fluoride in all fresh water. Community water fluoridation adjusts the fluoride level in the public water supply to prevent tooth decay. The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality sets a safe level of fluoride in water to protect you from tooth decay. They also help protect the environment. The decision to adjust the fluoride level in public water supplies is made by your local town or city council. They follow these guidelines to keep the level of fluoride in drinking water safe.
Community water fluoridation helps people of all ages, gender, ethnicity, education, and income. Almost half of all Albertans have access to fluoride in their drinking water. To find out if your community has fluoridated water, check with your town or city council.
Community water fluoridation prevents tooth decay and lowers the need for dental treatment. This saves families and the healthcare system money. Every $1 spent on community water fluoridation can save up to $93 per person in dental treatment costs. Adjusting fluoride in public drinking water is a simple, low cost way to prevent tooth decay for everyone, no matter their income.
Current as of: March 1, 2021
Author: Provincial Oral Health Office, Alberta Health Services
