Adding fluoride to drinking water can significantly reduce tooth extractions and cavities among children and young people, according to the latest findings.
A new health monitoring report produced by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the UK Health Security Agency shows children and young people in areas with higher fluoride concentrations were up to 63% less likely to be admitted to hospital for tooth extractions due to decay than those in areas with low fluoride concentrations.
The difference was greatest in the most deprived areas as children and young people in these areas benefited the most from fluoridation.
Around 10% of the English population lives in areas with water fluoridation schemes. These cover much of the North East and Midlands, as well as the North West, East of England and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Children and young people in areas with higher fluoride concentrations were up to 63% less likely to be admitted to hospital for tooth extractions
Health secretary Sajid Javid said: ‘The evidence is clear: water fluoridation is a safe and effective measure to help improve our nation’s oral health. Through our Health and Care Bill, we will aim to make it simpler to roll out water fluoridation in more areas.’
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