For decades the fluoride debate has simmered under the surface of NZ society, but in recent weeks the issue of what is in our water has reached boiling point with some councils opting to remove fluoride from public water supplies.
Have they got it right?
There are arguments both for and against fluoridation:
Over several decades most published scientific research concludes that adding fluoride to water is safe. It is seen as effective in reducing dental decay and is a significant public health achievement of the 20th century.
Fluoridation is cheap and offers an equitable way to improve oral health outcomes for whole communities.
However, on the other hand, there is evidence that fluoridation can cause a whole raft of unintended consequences, including teeth discolouration and cancer.
Once in the water supply, it is impossible to control the dose and individuals cannot easily opt out of its consumption.
Europe has rejected fluoridation and is 98% fluoride free. India, Japan, China and most countries now reject it.
Interestingly, despite the fact that the vast majority of western Europe does not fluoridate its water, Europe’s tooth decay rates are as low – if not lower – than the tooth decay rates in the heavily fluoridated United States or New Zealand.
What do you think?
Read more here:
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10895050 www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=1089535 www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2013/06/13/pms-science-advisor-wades-into-water-fluoridation/ www.marketground.co.nz/fannz/98708/