The importance of fluoride in drinking water
National Water Week is held annually across Australia from 20-26 October to raise awareness of current and future water issues, including sustainability. But, this year, Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) is using the week to remind the public of the importance of fluoride in drinking water to prevent tooth decay.
DHSV Chief Executive Officer, Dr Deborah Cole, said: “Scientific studies have shown that children who live in optimally fluoridated areas have less tooth decay than those living in areas without optimal fluoridation.
“The World Health Organisation acknowledges that fluoride is used to combat dental caries (tooth decay), particularly in areas of high sugar intake. It recommends that the optimal fluoridation of water ranges from 0.5 to 1.0 milligrams-per-litre.”
And while fluoride occurs at optimal levels in the Victorian towns of Portland, Nhill, Port Fairy, Barnawartha and Kaniva, water fluoridation programs have been in place across most of Victoria for the last 30-50 years – including Melbourne which has had fluoridated drinking water since the late 1970s.
Today around 90 per cent of the state has access to fluoridated water (click here to see a map).
Dr Cole said: “The introduction of fluoride into toothpaste and our water supply has resulted in a significant reduction in tooth decay in children of the last generation.
“Those who live in areas without access to fluoridated water can still increase their fluoride intake by drinking water and eating foods that are processed in nearby fluoridated centres.
“Certain bottled water also contains fluoride – but you’ll need to check the label.”
Dr Cole also recommended that all Victorians over the age of 18 months should brush their teeth using fluoridated toothpaste, and visit their oral healthcare provider regularly.
Dental Health Services Victoria provides government-subsidised general and specialist dental services to eligible Victorians. To find out more visit DHSV’s public dental services page.