The great debate: should fluoride be added to our water supplies?

Fluoride is once again a hot topic on both sides of the Atlantic. There is an increasing possibility the new US administration could target fluoride in water supplies, whereas in the UK, the opposite could happen. So, where does dental opinion stand?

Currently, fluoridated water is accessed by approximately 10% of the population in England. The vast majority of these receive it via a fluoridation scheme, although some people benefit from natural fluoride, which can be found in water.

The British Dental Association (BDA) has said that it wants to see more fluoride added to drinking water across northern England, something it considers a ‘great leveller’ for dental health in socially deprived areas blighted by consistently poor oral health.

BDA board member Paul Woodhouse acknowledged that it was not a “golden bullet” but would still benefit local communities by giving them stronger teeth that are more resistant to dental decay.

However, there has been vocal disquiet from groups such as Fluoride Free Cumbria, who claim that it should not be introduced until there are 100% foolproof guarantees it is safe for public consumption.
There has similarly been controversy over a US court ruling that recently concluded fluoridation in water posed an “unreasonable risk of reduced IQ in children”. There is no concrete evidence to suggest, however, that it is dangerous to public health.

If you are seeking dental treatment for dentures or veneers in Chester, then contact our team at Art of Dental Care to find out more, along with measures you can take to protect your oral health.