As a mother of two young children and a local family doctor, I witness every day the importance of dental health. Did you know that the municipal water in the KFL&A region does not contain enough fluoride to keep teeth healthy? Tooth decay has increased by 60% in senior kindergarten children since 2019! Last year 40% of senior kindergarten children experienced tooth decay, with an average of four teeth affected (Source: KFLA Public Health).

It's distressing to see our local children being diagnosed with cavities as young as the age of two, requiring the dreadful experience of general anesthesia and sedation for treatments. It is hard witnessing such preventable dental hardships on children which can be avoided by simply improving the fluoride levels in our water supply. 

On November 12, 2024, Kingston City Council is having a meeting at 5 pm to review the crucial subject of improving our community's water fluoride levels. We need to ensure our pleas for improved dental health are heard. The decision of this meeting could potentially save our children from unnecessary dental procedures, and yield long-lasting oral health benefits for our citizens.

Over 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. It is supported by Health Canada and both the Canadian and American Dental Associations.

Community fluoridated water already exists in over 75% of Ontario, including 65 municipalities. Towns and cities include: Toronto and the GTA, Ottawa, Brockville, Smith Falls, Hamilton, London, North Bay, Sudbury, Peterborough, and Bracebridge (to name a few).  It's time for Kingston to bring its standards up to par with the majority of Ontario's municipalities. 

We hope that our council members will recognize the urgent need and vote toward improving fluoride levels in our city's water system. Your signature can help us demonstrate the mass support for this notable cause. Sign this petition and urge the Kingston City Council to vote in favor of enhanced dental health for our families.

Thanks for considering!

Interested in learning more about community fluoridation? Check out the links below!

KFL&A Public Health: https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/water-fluoridation.aspx

Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/environment/fluorides-human-health.html#s6

Canadian Dental Association: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/about/position_statements/fluoride_water/

Ontario Dental Association: https://www.oda.ca/oral-health-basics/care-disease-prevention/water-fluoridation/