ThinkHQ/Metro News Poll

A recent academic study comparing rates of youth tooth decay in Alberta’s biggest cities has renewed public debate about municipal water fluoridation. The study, published in the journal Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, found that tooth decay among school-aged children has worsened at a significantly higher rate in Calgary than in Edmonton over the last 5 years. This finding is attributable to Calgary City Council’s decision to stop adding fluoride to the municipal water supply in 2011, while Edmonton continues the practice of fluoridation today.

Our early March ThinkHQ/Metro News poll put the question to residents of Alberta’s largest cities.

In Edmonton, water fluoridation is a non-issue. The cavity-fighting additive has been in the city water supply for decades, and fully 72% of Edmonton residents say this should continue (vs. only 12% who say The City should stop adding fluoride to the water).

Historically the issue in Calgary has been far more contentious. Since 1957, four municipal plebiscites have been held, and in 2011 Calgary City Council made the decision to cease fluoridation without a plebiscite – a decision now offside with most Calgarians. Almost two-thirds (64%) of Calgarians believe The City should re-introduce fluoridation of the water supply, compared to only 28% who say it should continue to not be added.

Click the link to view detailed findings and methodology: Metro Poll March 2016 Water Fluoridation

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