More research on the impact of fluoridation should be undertaken

I wish to respond to some of the comments and misrepresentations made by Professor June Nunn, Prof Martin Kinirons, Dr John Walsh and Dr Peter Gannon, President of the Irish Dental Association, in their letter published in the Irish Examiner (Oct 1).

The authors suggest children eating fluoride toothpaste is the primary cause of dental fluorosis among children in Ireland.

This view is incorrect. In 2005, the European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry reported that children, who always received a fluoridated water supply, were 38 times more likely to have fluorosis, while children who began using toothpaste between 12 and 18 months were two times more likely to have fluorosis. They should also be aware Irish dental research has demonstrated the prevalence of dental fluorosis is up to 25 times higher in Ireland among children in fluoridated communities compared to non-fluoridated communities.