I DOUBT if 50 years fluoridation would have stopped the replacement dentures (Mrs M J Regardsoe January 8) only better dental care and better diet would have done that.

Fluoride does not prevent periodontal disease often the cause for extraction. What is more likely would be the heightened risk of hip fractures.

Studies already link fluoride to cancer, genetic defects, IQ deficits, thyroid dysfunction, kidney, tooth and bone damage.

Wearing dentures is not all bad as at least you do not suffer mercury poisoning from amalgam fillings.

Bill Edmunds, Cadnam.