Fluoride in Water

The possible decision on the addition of fluoride to water in the South West should be taken without sufficient public communication. If implemented, the public should be clearly informed, so that those who choose not to have fluoride in their drinking water can avoid doing so. 

The overwhelming medical and public evidence supports the addition of fluoride to water as a safe and effective means of combatting tooth decay and dental health inequalities. Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, food, and most toothpastes. Its impact has been extensively researched over the last 60 years within the UK and internationally. While very rare cases of dental fluorosis can occur due to excessive exposure, this is uncommon in the UK. More information is available from the NHS here: 

That said, it is clear the most urgent problem for dental health in the South West is the lack of access to NHS dentists. My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I continue to press the Government to tackle the crisis in NHS dentistry, as improving dental access is essential and cannot be resolved by fluoridation alone.