27 Feb 07

Fluoride and bottled water

I know from past experience that writing about fluoride provokes strong views, especially from people who oppose compulsory fluoridation of water supplies.

I’m inclined though to accept the anecdotal evidence I’ve personally heard from dentists and health experts that tooth decay is higher in areas that don’t have fluoridated water.

There is a push now for fluoride to be added to bottled water, according to The Age. I think bottled water producers should be allowed to add fluoride if they want to, and possibly the government should offer them a price incentive to do so. However, it should not be made compulsory.

I suspect the increasing rates of tooth decay are more likely to be the result of poor oral hygiene and children drinking too much lemonade, Coke and fruit juice. There are times we just insist on our kids drinking water if they say they are thirsty.

These articles might be of interest:

• Health consultant not objective
• Fluoride for kids
• Education costs discriminate

Tags: health, soapbox, society

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