Rotorua people don't need to rush out and buy fluoride tablets - but there are steps that they can take as the debate over fluoridation rages on.
Local dentist and former Lakes District Health Board head Stewart Edward said there was plenty that could be done, including children having regular dental checks from the age of 2, making sure people used a fluoride toothpaste and putting a priority on oral health.
Mr Edward has been a long-term campaigner for fluoride in drinking water but said it was not the be-all and end-all, just another tool in helping prevent decay.
He said because the issue was so "fractious" it was important that the Government made a decision so there was some sort of mandate.
"It's very difficult to get sensible scientific views because it ends up being so emotive."
Mr Edward said making sure pre-schoolers and school-aged children made use of the free dental system was one of the key ways to make sure they had good oral health.
He said some people were more susceptible to decay than others because of genetics, and there were things that could be done to help those people.
School dental therapists could do things such as routine inspections and use sealant to help seal off molar teeth and prevent decay.
Unless people were perceived to be at risk, there was no need to get fluoride tablets, he said. Parents should also be brushing their children's teeth to make sure it was done properly.
"As a parent I cleaned their teeth at least once a day until they were 8 or 9. It's all part of the parental involvement."