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No evidence of ill-effects
I was elected by Hampshire dentists as media representative on the Local Dental Committee. As a practice, we look after over 5,000 patients and I can assure you dental decay is real in all ages, which if left can cause tremendous pain and suffering.
All sides agree fluoride is a naturally occuring mineral that has a history of being used as a means of reducing dental decay. The powerful and organised antifluoridation group has asked for evidence (quite rightly) of safety concerns.
Over recent years, two major investigations in the UK have taken place - one by the University of York Centre for reviews and Dissemination and the other by the Medical Research Council (MRC). Additional substantive reviews have also ben produced in Ireland and most recently Australia (2007). While findings have shown fluoridation to be beneficial, no evidence has been found to support claims that it causes cancer, bone disease, kidney disease or birth defects. Negative media stories often refer to studies where the concentration of fluoride is much higher than the recommended level. The recommended level in the UK is one part of fluoride to every million parts of water (1ppm).
As well as methods of increasing availibity of fluoride - be it through fluoridated water, fluoride rinses, fluoride varnish or fluoride toothpaste - we have made a oral health strategy to incoporate healthy eating advice, identifying sugar-free medicines, improving periodontal health, stop smoking guidance, accessing alcohol misuse and prevettion of erosion.
The silent majority support water fluoridation.
PHIL GOWERS.
10:00am Friday 9th May 2008
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