I'M headteacher at the school which has had, for years, dental health statistics amongst the worst in the country.

Apart from the impact that poor teeth have on children's social relationships, they have a significant impact on their speech development.

This, in turn, slows their educational progress, especially for those learning in English as a second language, which 98 per cent of our children are trying to do.

Fluoridise, please, and the sooner the better.

BOB MAY, geadteacher, Maytree Nursery and Infant School, Derby Road, Southampton.