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Water fluoridation
You are asked to vote for or against fluoridating Wanganui's urban water supply, including
Westmere. Following are arguments for and against water fluoridation.The case FOR fluoridation
The following is general information from the Ministry of Health and Wanganui-specific information provided by Dr Patrick O'Connor of the Whanganui District Health Board.
What is fluoride?Fluoride is an element found in air, soil, fresh water, seawater, plants and lots of foods. The most widely known and used topical fluorides are incorporated into toothpastes. Fluoride works in three ways to help protect teeth from decay:
- Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay by strengthening the tooth surface
- Fluoride interferes with the growth of bacteria, which causes cavities
- Fluoride helps to repair the early stages of tooth decay
Water fluoridation
Water fluoridation is a proven public health measure to reduce dental decay. An international report (York Report) estimated that fluoridation results in one extra person being free of dental decay for every six who drink fluoridated water. The report also noted that fluoridation does lead to some fluorosis (tooth discolouration) but that no association has been found between fluoridation and either hip fracture or cancer.
Water fluoridation especially benefits the primary and permanent teeth of children from a lower socio economic background and Maori who can least afford regular dental care. Most studies show that water fluoridation provides benefits above and beyond those from other fluoride sources alone, e.g. toothpastes and tablets.
What is the recommended fluoride level?
In the Ministry of Health's Drinking Water Standards 2000, fluoridation is recommended at a level of 0.7-1.0 mg/litre in drinking water. In Wanganui, fluoride naturally occurs at a level of 0.1 mg/litre at Kai Iwi, and at 0.2mg/litre at the Aramoho and Wanganui East bore sites. This level is too low to be of benefit. Topping up the fluoride level ensures oral health benefits to the people using the supply.
Tooth decay rates in Wanganui 5 year olds
There has been an overall increase in tooth decay in Wanganui 5 year olds since 1996. Rates of dental decay are especially high for Maori and Pacific Island children. Comparing Wanganui and Manawatu 5 year olds, the level of tooth decay is higher in Wanganui compared to the area of Manawatu that is non-fluoridated, and dental decay is even higher when Wanganui is compared to the area of Manawatu that is fluoridated.
Tooth decay rates in Wanganui 12 year olds
In Wanganui's 12 year olds, there has been an overall increase in tooth decay since 1994. The rate of dental decay for Maori and Pacific Island children is more than for other children but the gap is closing. Comparing Wanganui and Manawatu 12 year olds, patterns are similar to those seen in 5 year olds, but the gaps are not as large, particularly between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.
Costs of fluoridating
Capital costs are estimated at $300,000 plus $60,000 operating costs per annum for fluoridating two water sources. It is possible that central government could provide up to 100% of the funding.
Summary
- Fluoride is especially beneficial for 5 year olds
- Fluoride is likely to be of particular benefit for lower socio-economic groups
- Fluoride is safe; major claims made against it have not been substantiated
- Fluoride is already present, at small concentration, in our water supply
For further information on the benefits of fluoridation, contact the Ministry of Health or visit their website www.moh.govt.nz
The case AGAINST fluoridationThe following is information provided by Nigel Brooke, a Wanganui Osteopath, who represents Fluoride Action Network (NZ).
The key facts
- Hokitika and Greymouth have both said no to fluoridation this year, following Rotorua, Christchurch, Gore, Southland, Wairoa and Timaru last year
- All of continental Europe has rejected it outright, or tried it and stopped it
- Less than 5% of the world's population drinks fluoridated water
- Fluoride builds up in the environment via the food chain
- People in fluoridated areas in the USA are estimated to get up to five times the so-called “safe” dose; Dr Terry Cutress in New Zealand (pro-fluoride) admits we get 3 mg/day from food alone
- Research released this year links water fluoridation and bone cancer in young men. This has resulted in a large numbers of doctors and dentists in the USA, Ireland and Australia calling for an immediate moratorium on water fluoridation
No proof of benefit after 60 years
- In New Zealand, the Hastings experiment, comparing Hastings and Napier, showed no benefit from fluoridation
- 2004 Australian research showed no benefit
- Comparisons between fluoridated and unfluoridated cities in the USA show no benefit; the same results for New Zealand were published in the New Zealand Dental Journal 1998 described as “clinically meaningless”
- Today's Napier-Hastings figures show no evidence of special benefit to Maori and Pacific Islanders
- Water fluoridation does not decrease decay, it only delays decay by delaying eruption of the teeth
- Fluoride has to be applied to the tooth surface to be effective, e.g. in toothpaste or mouth rinse; water at one part per million has been proven in New Zealand and overseas to have no such effect
Unsafe
- The prestigious York Report found no proof of safety
- Water fluoridation may damage teeth while they are developing in the gums (dental fluorosis, mottling and staining of the teeth)
- Dental fluorosis affects about 50% of people in fluoridated areas, about 12% with the severe form, pitting and crumbling teeth. The head of Preventive Dentistry at Toronto University estimates that they are spending more on treating fluorosis than decay
- Babies fed formula made with fluoridated water get about 100 times the level of fluoride in mother's milk
- The chemicals used to fluoridate the water are industrial waste products and are contaminated with various heavy metals
- Recent toxicological and brain research is showing the many potential health risks associated with fluoride: thyroid problems, learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder and other nervous system disorders including Alzheimer's disease
For further information on the history and science behind the anti-fluoridation stance, go to www.fluoridealert.org or www.saynotofluoridation.org.nz
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