The Times article details what happened in Calgary after fluoride was removed: “multiple studies” showed that caries and caries treatments increased in children in the subsequent years. The number of children receiving IV antibiotics for dental infections at Alberta Children’s Hospital increased by 700% from 2011 to 2018. The majority of these patients were under five years old.

In a 2021 referendum, Calgary voters elected to put fluoride back in the water, and completion is due early next year.

One dentist interviewed by The Times observed “a rise in decalcification along the gum line,” rather than the usual decay on biting surfaces of teeth that is associated with a caries-producing diet. Other studies noted that more children required general anesthesia for their dental procedures during this time.

high-income countries such as Denmark and Belgium don’t fluoridate their water, but have better dental health than the United States. Both these countries provide universal dental coverage, including for children.