NZ Public Health Doctors Say Water Fluoridation Best Option

NZ Public Health Doctors Say Community Water Fluoridation Best Option

The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine is endorsing community water fluoridation as an important public health measure to prevent tooth decay and reduce health inequalities.

College President Dr Julia Peters says the benefits of community water fluoridation are most pronounced for those at risk of poor oral health; Maori and Pacific people and people living in deprived areas.

“Community water fluoridation programmes have been running in countries with low natural amounts of fluoride in drinking water supplies for over fifty years. There is consistent evidence of the effectiveness and safety of these programmes in protecting and improving oral health in these communities regardless of the social, economic or cultural group.”

Dr Peters says tooth decay is common in New Zealand.

“Tooth decay causes pain, infection, loss of teeth and loss of self-esteem. It can stop people from eating, working and sleeping and poses extra risks for people with other health problems such as heart, renal disease, bleeding disorders and low immunity.”

The New Zealand Ministry of Health recommends that the level of fluoride in water be adjusted to between 0.7 and 1.0 parts per million.

“The mineral fluoride occurs naturally in water supplies in New Zealand but mostly at levels too low to provide protection against tooth decay. Community water fluoridation allows for the adjustment of fluoride levels in a public water supply to a level where protection against tooth decay can occur.”

ENDS

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