Removing fluoride from water a big health risk, warns expert

Authorities are taking a big health risk if they remove fluoride from the public water system, a top dentist has warned.

Dean of the faculty of dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Dr John Walsh said children living in areas with fluoridated water had 18% less tooth decay than those living in non-fluoridated area.

“All of the robust scientific data demonstrates that fluoridation protects against tooth decay. Studies of children’s oral health consistently showed those living in areas with fluoridated water had 18% less tooth decay than those living in non-fluoridated areas. To ignore this evidence is taking a big health risk,” he said.