Dental Health

Dental health, also called oral health, is an important part of overall health and affects quality of life. The World Health Organization (2012) defines oral health as “the state of being free from mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing.”

The mouth is both a gateway and mirror of your body's overall health. Research shows that dental diseases like cavities, gum disease and oral cancer may be linked to other health problems. Brushing and flossing everyday and visiting your dental professional regularly is very important to your overall health.

Please note: The oral health care tips found on our website are intended for informational use and do not replace the professional care and advice of your dentist. If you have a question or concern about your oral health, please talk to your dentist.

Announcement regarding Canada Post Strike: Applications to Ontario Dental Programs & Healthy Smiles Ontario

Water Fluoridation

Water fluoridation is the process of monitoring and adjusting the fluoride level in drinking water to achieve the optimal level of 0.7mg/L or 0.7ppm for dental health.¹ Some communities have naturally-occurring fluoride in their water supplies at levels that help prevent cavities. Other communities adjust their fluoride levels to achieve the optimal level for dental health.

London Drinking Water

The City of London draws its water supply from Lakes Huron and Erie, which have relatively low natural fluoride levels. Fluoride is added to drinking water to help people have the best possible dental health.²

Middlesex County Drinking Water

There is no fluoride in the drinking water.

Reduces Cavities

Drinking fluoridated water reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults.³ The small amount of fluoride in saliva bathes the teeth, stopping or even reversing the damaging effects that acids found in the food and beverages we consume can have on tooth enamel.

Health Effects

Drinking water that has been fluoridated to the optimal level for dental health is not associated with adverse health effects. Research into the health effects of water fluoridation has been going on for more than 70 years. There are more than 90 well-respected national and international organizations that support water fluoridation, including:

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
• Health Canada
• Canadian Medical Association
• Canadian Paediatric Society
• Canadian Dental Association
• American Dental Association

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have also listed fluoridation of drinking water as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

Questions
If you have questions about the drinking water in London and Middlesex County, please call the Environmental Health Team to speak with a Public Health Inspector at 519-663-5317.