Ireland - Problems with fluoride

A chara, – In his advocacy of water fluoridation, Joseph Briscoe (August 1st) suggests he saw a “bewildering” positive change in dental health after the introduction of fluoride into our water during the 1960s. However, this positive change was most likely due to the abundant fluoride toothpastes and mouthwashes that came to supermarket shelves at that time.

It is important to note that fluoride is a topical treatment for oral healthcare; it is not supposed to be ingested. Water fluoridation is a costly exercise for the State. Ending this outdated treatment of public water should qualify as “low lying fruit” when it comes to budget cuts in December. – Is mise,
AW LALLY,
Herbert Avenue,
Dublin 4.