A dental expert is urging Hamiltonians to disregard a leaflet about a decision to stop fluoridation dismissing it as "wrong, unscientific and misleading" ahead of a referendum on the issue.
Dr Jonathan Broadbent, from the University of Otago's Faculty of Dentistry says the Hamilton City Council leaflet sent out last week was "largely inaccurate", over-simplified and did not reflect accepted public health advice.
Dr Broadbent says it was wrong on several points including that low-fluoride toothpaste was best for children's teeth.
"Families should purchase toothpastes that contain at least 1000ppm fluoride and avoid those labelled 'fluoride free', 'child strength' or 'low fluoride'," he said.
The leaflet suggested a "pea-sized" amount of toothpaste be used for all ages which Dr Broadbent said was contrary to New Zealand guidelines for the use of fluorides that says a smear of fluoride toothpaste is recommended until 5 years of age.