Did You Know That Vancouver’s Tap Water Is Not Fluoridated?

Unlike many other cities across Canada, Vancouver does not add fluoride to its drinking water. Thus, to maintain healthy teeth, the Canadian Dental Association recommends that we brush our teeth with fluoride toothpaste.

But what about children? For children under the age of 3, the guidance is to use a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste and encourage them to spit out the excess after brushing – whether you should use fluoridated toothpaste or not at this age depends on your child’s risk of developing tooth decay and should be discussed with your dentist. For children over the age of 3, fluoridated toothpaste should be used and the amount can be increased to a pea-sized amount.

If you are seeking dental services visit our dental clinic in Kitsilano.

Why do some municipalities add fluoride to their water?

The addition of fluoride to drinking water is a public health measure aimed at preventing tooth decay and promoting dental health. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of cavities and promote overall oral health.

How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay through a process called remineralization and demineralization. Here’s how it works:

1. Demineralization: When you consume sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in the mouth break down these carbohydrates and produce acids. These acids can demineralize or weaken the enamel, which is the outer layer of the teeth. Demineralization makes the teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay.
2. Remineralization: Fluoride plays a crucial role in the remineralization process. When fluoride is present in the mouth, it can be absorbed into the enamel structure. This process forms a new crystal structure that is more resistant to acid attacks. The fluoride-enriched enamel becomes stronger and less prone to decay.

In summary, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by promoting remineralization of weakened enamel. It strengthens the enamel and makes teeth more resistant to acid erosion, reducing the risk of cavities. This is why fluoride is commonly added to toothpaste, mouthwash, and, in some areas, public water supplies as a preventive measure for dental health.