UK - Council considers fluoridation to tackle our tooth decay problem
Council considers fluoridation to tackle our tooth decay problem
By Ben Holt
CALDERDALE'S children have some of the worst teeth in the country. Now fluoride could be added to the district's drinking water in a bid to beat tooth decay.
A special council committee is quizzing oral health experts on the state of the public's teeth. They are considering a raft a measure to improve oral hygiene - including adding the controversial chemical to the water supply - after discovering that our young children have some of the worst teeth in the country. Councillor Bob Metcalfe (Lab, Town), chairs the Health and Social Care scrutiny panel which is leading the inquiry. He said: "It is impossible to conduct an in-depth investigation like this without touching on fluoride. I am well aware how controversial it has been in the past but it will be mentioned and it will be discussed and we will have to decide what recommendations we make based on the evidence. "It is just one issue, although I understand it is important. There will be a lot of different opinions." He added: "Fluoride in our water supply will be raised as it has been in other parts of the country. It is a significant public health issue." Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in many foods. It strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. It also reduces the amount of acid that bacteria on the teeth produce. Some scientists argue that it improves dental health dramatically and should be added to all water supplies. Around 10 per cent of the country's water supply already
has it, but not in Calderdale. It is also found in most toothpaste. Opponents fear that fluoride can cause illness in children, including dental fluorosis, which discolours teeth, causes cancer and osteoporosis. They also object to the government adding medical chemicals to the water supply. Dennis Edmondson, of Calderdale Citizen's Protest Against Fluoridation, said: "Some experts have tried to indoctrinate the council with a totally false claim that fluoridation of the water supply is safe and effective in the prevention of tooth decay. "Fluoride is an accumulative poison. It adds to all cells and acts as a poison. This is documented in a body of literature." The council committee will hear evidence on all aspects of oral hygiene. They have also called on the public to get involved in the research. Councillor Metcalfe said: "We want as much debate and discussion and interest in it as possible. We are wanting to raise awareness of oral health." The council fears that poor teeth and gums could lead to poor dietary choice, lack of confidence and social exclusion. It has also been linked to other health problems, including obesity. The committee is due to deliver its final recommendation in March. Take part in the Courier on-line vote - in the bottom right corner of this page.
Last Updated: 02 January 2007
By Ben Holt
CALDERDALE'S children have some of the worst teeth in the country. Now fluoride could be added to the district's drinking water in a bid to beat tooth decay.
A special council committee is quizzing oral health experts on the state of the public's teeth. They are considering a raft a measure to improve oral hygiene - including adding the controversial chemical to the water supply - after discovering that our young children have some of the worst teeth in the country. Councillor Bob Metcalfe (Lab, Town), chairs the Health and Social Care scrutiny panel which is leading the inquiry. He said: "It is impossible to conduct an in-depth investigation like this without touching on fluoride. I am well aware how controversial it has been in the past but it will be mentioned and it will be discussed and we will have to decide what recommendations we make based on the evidence. "It is just one issue, although I understand it is important. There will be a lot of different opinions." He added: "Fluoride in our water supply will be raised as it has been in other parts of the country. It is a significant public health issue." Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in many foods. It strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. It also reduces the amount of acid that bacteria on the teeth produce. Some scientists argue that it improves dental health dramatically and should be added to all water supplies. Around 10 per cent of the country's water supply already
has it, but not in Calderdale. It is also found in most toothpaste. Opponents fear that fluoride can cause illness in children, including dental fluorosis, which discolours teeth, causes cancer and osteoporosis. They also object to the government adding medical chemicals to the water supply. Dennis Edmondson, of Calderdale Citizen's Protest Against Fluoridation, said: "Some experts have tried to indoctrinate the council with a totally false claim that fluoridation of the water supply is safe and effective in the prevention of tooth decay. "Fluoride is an accumulative poison. It adds to all cells and acts as a poison. This is documented in a body of literature." The council committee will hear evidence on all aspects of oral hygiene. They have also called on the public to get involved in the research. Councillor Metcalfe said: "We want as much debate and discussion and interest in it as possible. We are wanting to raise awareness of oral health." The council fears that poor teeth and gums could lead to poor dietary choice, lack of confidence and social exclusion. It has also been linked to other health problems, including obesity. The committee is due to deliver its final recommendation in March. Take part in the Courier on-line vote - in the bottom right corner of this page.
Last Updated: 02 January 2007
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