New report highlights dental benefits of fluoridated water supplies
A new report suggests that fluoridated water can help to reduce the risk of tooth decay among children.
The report, which was produced by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), revealed that children living in the most deprived areas of the country are most likely to benefit from access to fluoridated water.
The findings of the study indicate that children and young people who live in areas where fluoride is added to communal water supplies are 63% less likely to be admitted to hospital for treatment for extraction as a result of tooth decay than young people from areas where fluoride levels are low.
The secretary of state for health and social care, Sajid Javid, welcomed the findings of the report and stated that the “evidence is clear.” Adding fluoride to water supplies, Mr Javid explained, is a “safe and effective measure to improve our nation’s oral health.”
The report suggests that fluoridation can play major role in reducing the risk of cavities and extractions among children, particularly those living in “more deprived communities.” Mr Javid added that the government is committed to improving access to fluoridated water as part of the wider levelling up scheme.
In light of the findings and the government’s desire to increase the number of areas that have fluoridated water, the Health and Care Bill will make it easier to roll out fluoridation schemes in the future.
Currently, only around 10% of the population in England lives in areas with access to fluoridated water. The schemes cover parts of the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, the Midlands and the North West. The study showed that in the most deprived 20% of areas, the risk of cavities decreased by 25% in towns with access to fluoridated water. The risk of hospital admissions linked to tooth decay could fall by almost 60%.
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