- EVERY person of every age benefits from drinking fluoridated water.
- Adding very small amounts of fluoride to the water supply doesn't change the taste or smell of water and is a safe and effective way to help prevent tooth decay.
- Extensive scientific research confirms water fluoridation is not associated with ANY ill health effects.
- Fluoride is a naturally occurring element already present in water supplies, but is also in plants, rocks, soil, air and foods.
QUEENSLANDERS TAKE NOTE
- Queenslanders have the highest levels of tooth decay and the lowest level of access to water fluoridation in Australia.
- Only 5% of Queenslanders have access to water fluoridation compared to 70-100% coverage in other States and Territories
- Children aged 5 to 12 years in Townsville (which has been fluoridated since 1964) have 45 % less tooth decay than Brisbane children(which does not have water fluoridation).
- Fluoride is going to be introduced into Queensland’s South East. Evidence of improvements in oral health will be shown within five years of implementation.
NOTE: Queensland Health no longer recommends the routine use of fluoride supplements, as they do not provide the same level of benefit as fluoridating water, and may increase the risk of fluorosis (white spots on developing new teeth)
Fluoride is a contentious issue. As dentists, we in no way force people to have fluoride when they visit our surgery as there are many ways to clean and protect teeth without it. Fluoride just gives that extra bit of protection to your teeth but is certainly no replacement for a healthy balanced diet, good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
We believe education is the key to progress and success. Dental faculties support water fluoridation because it has been in successful practice around the world for more than sixty years.
It is acknowledged as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.
Information contained on this page is sourced from QLD GOVT Queensland Health. You can access this at www.health.qld.gov.au/fluoride
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