Canterbury considers fluoridated water

Appalling levels of tooth decay in Canterbury children are forcing authorities to consider returning to a fluoridated water system. Canterbury youngsters have some of the most decay-ridden teeth in the country, with about 15 4- and 5-year-olds from the region undergoing major dental surgery each week.

Ministry of Health figures show 61 per cent of Canterbury 12-year-olds have cavities, compared to 44 per cent of 12-year-olds in Wellington and 49 per cent in Waitemata, where the water supply is fluoridated.

Parts of Christchurch used to have fluoridated water but the chemical was removed from the city's water supplies in 1988. However, the Canterbury District Health Board is on the verge of recommending its return.