New study supports positive impact of water fluoridation on tooth decay

The latest Cochrane Oral Health Review on water fluoridation has affirmed the benefits the practice can have in reducing the likelihood of tooth decay among the population.

Following a review of existing studies on the topic, the paper concluded that fluoridated water can reduce the incidence of decayed, missing or filled teeth by up to 35 percent, thus helping to minimise the chances of pain, infection, tooth loss and reduced quality of life.

The review also reinforced previous findings that adding fluoride to water at the optimal level for dental health substantially reduces decay in children's baby and permanent teeth, and increases the proportion of children who have no tooth decay.

However, it was also noted that most studies were conducted prior to 1975, with the quality of the evidence being largely low, suggesting further research is needed.

Fluoridated water is currently received by around ten percent of the population in the UK. The British Dental Association (BDA), which is in favour of the measure, supported the authors' call for more contemporary high-quality studies.

Professor Damien Walmsley, the BDA's scientific adviser, said: "We believe that targeted fluoridation has an important role to play, along with the need to reduce sugar consumption and the promotion of a good oral hygiene routine."