Dentist backs latest fluoridation call

‘‘I have always maintained there is strong evidence that community water fluoridation is a very safe and effective way of improving the oral health of the population.’’ Mark Goodhew

A Timaru dentist believes fluoridation of drinking water is an issue that should not even be up for debate in New Zealand.

Last week, the National Party delivered its health discussion document to Parliament in which it criticised the decline of oral healthcare in New Zealand. This led to the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) questioning why fluoridation of drinking water did not ‘‘rate a mention’’ among politicians if oral health was such an important issue.

Dr Mark Goodhew said despite many public views to the contrary, he was in no doubt the addition of fluoride to drinking water would be beneficial to the oral health of residents of South Canterbury.

‘‘I know its controversial in certain parts of the population, but I have always maintained there is strong evidence that community water fluoridation is a very safe and effective way of improving the oral health of the population.

‘‘I don’t think there’s any question about that,’’ he said.

Late last week, the NZDA said fluoridation of drinking water had an important role to play in oral health and the Fluoridation of Drinking Water Bill must be passed quickly in Parliament.

‘‘As dentists and as a profession we continually hear from both sides of the House that they support the Health (Fluoridation of Drinking Water) Amendment Bill, introduced to the House three years ago,’’ NZDA president Dr Katie Ayers said.

‘‘Whilst it does not even rate a mention in the (National Party’s) discussion document it is our sincere hope that all MPs, particularly those interested in markedly improving oral health in a safe and effective way, will move beyond their political impasse and pass this Bill swiftly.’’

Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe and affordable way to prevent and reduce tooth decay for everyone, she said.

‘‘Along with brushing teeth twice a day, eating healthy food and avoiding sugary drinks, water fluoridation helps to prevent tooth decay.’’

National’s health spokesperson Michael Woodhouse said in a statement more than 120,000 children in New Zealand are overdue for their dental checks.

South Canterbury District Health Board chief executive Nigel Trainor said it was clear fluoridation did improve oral health, however it was a ‘‘polarising subject for the community and we are going to have to consult or look at that legislation once it is through’’.

‘‘On fluoridation there’s a bill going to a select committee and I’m not fully up to date on what the bill is. This DHB is waiting to see what the bill brings to us. It is all wait and see at this moment.’’

SCDHB clinical director for community dental services, Martin Lee, said oral health among South Canterbury children was slowly improving, however there are significant equity problems with which fluoridation could help.

‘‘Ma¯ori, Pacific or kids from low income families have worse oral health. Fluoridation would close this gap,’’ Lee said.

‘‘Currently the responsibility for fluoridation rests with territorial local authorities, however there is a bill before Parliament waiting for its second reading, that would transfer responsibility to the DHB.’’

Goodhew said as a dentist listening to conspiracy theories surrounding fluoridation of drinking water was ‘‘very disappointing’’.

‘‘I do get rather upset when people start throwing words like cancer into the argument. There is no evidence that is the case.

‘‘I’ve also heard that water fluoridation was a Communist plot to make people more docile and you’ve just got to laugh at that . . .’’

Goodhew said authorities have listened to ‘‘naysayers’’ for far too long and it was time for the lawmakers to be more decisive about fluoridation of water.

‘‘A number of people in Timaru are very vocal that there should not be any fluoride in the water and they are the ones who’ve had their say over the years.

‘‘Unfortunately it has bounced around for years in the local government jurisdiction and for whatever reason government haven’t felt brave enough or supported enough to be able to ensure the community has access to fluoridated water supplies.

‘‘There has been talk about making compulsory to have fluoridated water as part of the water treatment specifications but it isn’t as yet.’’