UK - Manchester

FLUORIDE HELPS
RESEARCH shows that children living in areas where the water supplies are fluoridated were 15 per cent more likely to be free from tooth decay than those children in areas without added fluoride.
However, while talks are underway to introduce new water fluoridation schemes across the country, a recent survey shows that many people don't know what fluoride is.
The British Dental Health Foundation found that 13 per cent of those questioned believed fluoride was a mint flavour; 12 per cent thought it was a whitening product and 15 per cent said it was a marketing gimmick.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the foundation says: "It is a big concern that people know so little about fluoride - especially when strategic health authorities are starting consultations on new water fluoridation schemes.
"The foundation is in strong support of the fluoridation of public drinking water supplies to improve oral health and there have been a number of high-level scientific reviews that support our position.
"Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is present in all water. It works by strengthening the enamel as it forms, making it more resistant to decay. It is the foundation's strong belief that adding fluoride to the water supply is the best and most cost-effective way of achieving a major improvement in oral health in this country."
The research also found that 28 per cent of people thought that their water supply was fluoridated - more than twice the true figure of 11 per cent. More than 40 per cent admitted they had no idea whether their water supply was fluoridated.
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