Experts at Public Health England (PHE) have suggested that adding fluoride to tap water could reduce the chances of tooth decay and improve dental health overall, in a new report released by the department.
Research has shown that areas of England with certain levels of fluoride in the water were found to have fewer cases of tooth decay, so schemes have been put in place over the past fifty years to adjust the fluoride levels in other areas of the country, to try and reproduce the results. 14 out of 152 local authorities have schemes in place, making sure that six million people have improved levels of oral health. On average, the number of five-year-olds with tooth decay in fluoridated areas was 15% lower than those that did not have fluoride added to the water.
The report refers to tooth decay as ‘a significant public health problem in England’, and added that ‘Sizeable inequalities exist between affluent and deprived communities, and it is a common cause of hospital admissions in children.’
Professor John Newton, chief knowledge officer at PHE, said that ‘There is a good deal of speculation about water fluoridation schemes. This report provides new data which is direct evidence of the safety and efficacy of water fluoridation in England. Director of dental public health at PHE, Sue Gregory, added that ‘Theses findings highlight the important contribution that water fluoridation makes to children’s health and general well-being. It is notable that the benefits of this public health measure appear to be greatest for children living in the most deprived areas of the country.’