Fluoridated water can reduce the incidence of decayed, missing or filled teeth by up to 35 per cent, according to the Cochrane Oral Health Group’s review of studies on this measure.
The Cochrane review reinforces previous findings that adding fluoride to water at the optimal level for dental health substantially reduces decay in children’s ‘baby’ and permanent teeth. It also increases the proportion of children who have no tooth decay, even after the widespread introduction of fluoride toothpaste.
The BDA supports the authors call for more contemporary, high quality studies on water fluoridation.
Commenting on the review, the BDA’s Scientific Adviser, Professor Damien Walmsley, said:
“Despite the huge improvements we have seen in people’s dental health since the 1970s, too many communities still experience unacceptably high levels of tooth decay.
“One in eight three year olds in England have tooth decay, and poor communities are disproportionately affected. Treating extensive tooth decay remains the main reason why children are admitted to hospital – more than 60,000 children had to have rotten teeth removed under a general anaesthetic in 2012/13.
“As children’s ability to learn, eat and speak is affected by dental disease, a preventable condition, we need a range of strategies to reduce this burden on youngsters, their families and the NHS.
“We believe that targeted fluoridation has an important role to play, along with the need to reduce sugar consumption and the promotion of a good oral hygiene routine.”