Vote Fluoride :: Support

David Crum

The New Zealand Dental Association fully supports the adjustment of naturally occurring fluoride levels in our water.

Our profession's academics, scientists and practising dentists have been involved in fluoridation in New Zealand since the introduction of the first scheme in Hastings in 1954.

Since that time we have continually reviewed the evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of adding fluoride to the water supplies and have no hesitation in recommending it as the most effective public health measure available for improving oral health.

There is overwhelming evidence that the adjustment of water fluoride levels as has occurred for many years in many areas of New Zealand has been safe and a most effective health measure.

In particular the children of your area (particularly those from poorer parts of the community) will benefit significantly by this well considered and researched move.

David Crum, Executive Director, New Zealand Dental Association

Vote Fluoride :: Support, Compared to national statistics some communities within Southland and Otago have very poor oral health. Examples include preschoolers facing baby teeth extractions under anaesthesia, primary school students with multiple fillings and adults living with ongoing, chronic dental pain that may prevent them working. Otago and Southland District Health Boards have asked local councils to hold referenda to add fluoride into the drinking water supplies of these communities. Fluoride is recommended by the World Health Organisation and New Zealand’s Ministry of Health as a means of improving oral health.

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