Research carried out in New Zealand has concluded that local people would benefit greatly from having fluoride in their water.

Radio NZ reported the Northland District Health Board completed a two-year study into the effects of fluoridation and found in the Kaitaia – where fluoride was added – incident rates of cavities in five-year-olds fell by five per cent.

However, in Dargaville – which is unfluoridated – cavities increased by 15 per cent in the same period.

Elsewhere, the Cosmetic Dentistry Guide recently reported researchers at Pavia University, Italy have uncovered an extract found in red wine which could also help boost oral health.

The scientists identified proanthocyanidins as playing a key role in killing bacteria when it comes into contact with the teeth, thereby reducing the likelihood of a person developing cavities.

However, the study noted the large amounts of sugar in the drink mean simply consuming red wine will not be enough to promote a beneficial effect. Instead, the proanthocyanidins will need to be extracted and used to create new treatments.