Fluoride could harm bones, it has been claimed.

A campaign to reduce the amount of fluoride in water has published research claiming excess amounts of the chemical can have a detrimental impact on health.

Cosmetic Dentistry Guide reported the group UK Against Fluoridation (UAF) has pointed to research carried out in New Zealand which showed around 30 per cent of children in areas of the country that have fluoride in their water supply are suffering adverse effects.

The report claimed fluoride had made these kids more susceptible to musculoskeletal disease, such as carpal bone hardening, as well as impacting on their oral health.

Elsewhere, researchers for the Cochrane Oral Health Group recently highlighted the importance of fluoride in helping children’s teeth stay healthy.

A study carried out by the organisation revealed a minimum concentration of fluoride in children’s toothpastes of 1,000 parts per million could have a significantly positive impact on oral health.