Evidence supports safety of water fluoridation

SEAN FLEMING’S letter about water fluoridation communicated some inaccuracies and made some scientifically unfounded connections between water fluoridation and the incidence of a range of diseases (Irish Examiner, April 11).

The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, an independent, evidence-based body, assures readers there is no scientific evidence to suggest water fluoridation causes any ill medical effects.

Water fluoridation is one of the most widely studied public policy initiatives in the world, with approximately 350 million people in some 60 countries residing in areas served by optimally fluoridated water supplies.

There is robust evidence that water fluoridation significantly benefits dental health in Ireland. It is an important counterbalance to poor oral health practices and high levels of snacking on sugary foods.

We are aware of the paper by Elise Bassin, referred to by Mr Fleming. This particular study forms a small part of an overall 15-year study being conducted at Harvard University. Preliminary results from the more detailed, larger study, due to be published later this year, do not suggest an observed association between fluoride and osteosarcoma, as noted in Dr Bassin’s study.

In addition, the principal investigator managing the study published a response urging that caution must be exercised in interpreting the Bassin paper’s results and conclusions, stressing again that this is a small part of a far larger study, in which an association with osteosarcoma is not evident.

The fluoride added to Irish drinking water is a primary product derived from fluorspar (a mineral containing between 30-98% calcium fluoride) and conforms to European and national standards.

Since the 1960s, oral health surveys have clearly demonstrated the benefits of Ireland’s policy of water fluoridation, with a significant reduction in dental decay across all sectors of Irish society.

The following are worth noting:

— There is overwhelming scientific evidence to support the safety and efficacy of water fluoridation in Ireland;

— It is a public health policy in Ireland that is scientifically proven to benefit all members of society, regardless of socioeconomic status;

— There has been a 40% reduction in decayed, missing and filled teeth in Ireland for children living in areas supplied by fluoridated drinking water;

— The absence of water fluoridation would see the average five-year-old in Ireland having four to five more decayed, missing or filled teeth;

— Intervention will continue to be necessary in Ireland to maintain oral health in children due to poor brushing habits and a tendency to snack on sugary foods;

— Dental fluorosis is the only known side effect of water fluoridation and results from excessive levels of fluoride. It is a mild cosmetic condition characterised by white flecks on the teeth;

— The effectiveness of water fluoridation in preventing dental decay continues to be endorsed by a comprehensive range of international bodies, including the World Health Organisation, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Public Health Service and the US Surgeon General.

Dr Seamus O’Hickey

Chairman

The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health

26 Harcourt St

Dublin 2