17 July 2013

Region wide support for fluoridation of drinking-water

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service and Auckland, Waitemata and Counties Manukau District Health Boards are working together to support and inform communities that fluoridated drinking-water is safe and benefits everyone. Dr Julia Peters, Clinical Director, says “the vast majority of medical and dental organisations promote the benefits of water fluoridation. We are collectively committed to ensuring the public receive accurate information on this topic.”

Dr Peters says that “as health professionals we advocate for the right of people to have ready access to public health initiatives that benefit their health. Fluoridating water is one of the most important public health initiatives and it should be available to all our communities, especially our most vulnerable ones. It provides powerful protection against tooth decay at recommended safe levels of 0.7 – 1.0 mg/litre. The long term effect of fluoride in drinking-water improves dental health and helps reduce painful tooth decay.”

For more information visit the Ministry of Health website http://www.health.govt.nz/ and type fluoride in the search box.

ENDS

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