Cover image for Years without fluoridated water in N.B. show pattern of tooth decay experts warned about
Canada 23 Jun 2026

Years without fluoridated water in N.B. show pattern of tooth decay experts warned about

After more than a decade without fluoridated water in Saint John, the dental community is seeing a surge in tooth decay among young people.

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After more than a decade without fluoridated water in Saint John, the dental community is seeing a surge in tooth decay among young people. Kelly Keyes operates a busy dental practice in Saint John, having treated patients of all ages for three decades. But a decline in the oral health of her younger patients is a growing concern. Those patients sometimes need treatment in hospital, which comes after a lengthy waiting period. Adding to the overall strain on the health-care system, she said. Keyes said the great equalizer in oral health care was the addition of fluoride in the citys drinking water in the 1980s, protecting developing teeth from decay by strengthening enamel. And suppressing plaque bacteria. But as the Port City's financial health came under increasing pressure, councillors looking for easy savings decided to cut the fluoridation program.

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