Fluoride push for Rotorua

Lakes District Health Board chief executive Ron Dunham said it wasn't just about children. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua children will continue to have poorer oral health than children in other parts of the country if water fluoridation doesn't go ahead, according to the Lakes District Health Board.

Chief executive Ron Dunham said the health board believed there should be fluoride in Rotorua's water supplies and was working with Toi Te Ora Public Health to push for a fluoridated water supply for Rotorua people.

However, he said the decision would ultimately come down to the Rotorua District Council, which was set to consider the controversial issue later this year.

Mr Dunham said dental decay in New Zealand was a considerable health and economic burden.

"Poor oral health has lifelong effects for these children and can be linked to poor general health, both in childhood and adulthood."

He said children living in areas of high deprivation had poorer oral health and more tooth decay compared with other New Zealanders.

"In the Lakes district more Maori live in areas of high deprivation therefore, fluoridated water supplies will support improved oral health for Maori."

But Mr Dunham said it wasn't just about children.

"A fluoridated water supply improves oral health for people of all age who still have their own teeth."

He said fluoridation was also beneficial for elderly, especially with more and more adults retaining their own teeth.

"The evidence for the benefits of a fluoridated water supply is clear and indisputable. It is highly effective, safe, cost saving and is the single most effective measure to prevent dental caries [decay] and improve oral health across all sectors of society. In this respect it is a significant contributor to health equity."

As well as fluoridation, brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, regular visits to a therapist or dentist and reduced sugar intake were all also important, he said.

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