The government has announced a significant expansion of water fluoridation in England, marking the largest such initiative since the 1980s. This plan aims to extend fluoridated water to an additional 1.6 million people in the North East, focusing on reducing tooth decay, particularly in areas with pronounced dental health inequalities.
Fluoride is known for its role in reducing tooth decay, and various parts of England have implemented fluoridation schemes since the 1960s. Currently, about 10% of England's population receives fluoridated water, mainly in regions like the West Midlands and the North East.
Following a public consultation, the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that this expansion would include areas such as Darlington, Durham, Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough. The decision is supported by decades of evidence indicating that fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure. Despite some suggestions that its benefits have declined with widespread fluoride toothpaste use, it remains crucial for preventing tooth decay.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE from the Oral Health Foundation stated: "We wholeheartedly welcome the Government’s decision to expand water fluoridation in the North East - this is a landmark moment for public health." He emphasized that this measure will lead to fewer children experiencing unnecessary pain and hospital admissions for dental extractions while significantly reducing oral health inequalities.
Carter further noted: "Water fluoridation has been proven safe and effective for decades...This investment in prevention will pay dividends for generations to come." He urged further expansion across other UK areas to ensure no community lags behind in combating tooth decay.
This announcement coincides with a new supervised toothbrushing scheme targeting deprived parts of England as part of broader efforts to enhance children's oral health. The Oral Health Foundation joins forces with organizations like the British Dental Association and British Society of Paediatric Dentistry in supporting this expansion while calling for comprehensive action on NHS dentistry issues to secure long-term oral health improvements.
