Fluoride in drinking water supplies has been hailed as one of the biggest public health benefits of the last century.

The introduction of fluoride into the water of countries across the globe has had the single greatest impact on oral health

Ridzwan Rahim wrote in a post for New Straits Times that the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention named the fluoridation of tap water among the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century.

“Ever since the introduction of fluoride into tap water in 1945, cases of tooth decay around the world has decreased so dramatically that, frankly, we have now few reasons to visit the dentist,” he commented.

Meanwhile, it has recently been reported that while tooth enamel is very strong, a lack of nutrients in the diet and the consumption of highly acidic or sugary foods can erode this protective layer over time.

Indeed, as households across the UK have access to fluoridated tap water, people have been advised to switch to this beverage, rather than drinking sugary soft drinks.