Fluoride vital, says principal

Patrick Walsh said there were overwhelmingly positive side effects from having fluoride in the water young people drink. Photo / Andrew Warner

A local principal says schools see first-hand the "detrimental effects of not having fluoride in Rotorua water".

John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh said he had seen many Rotorua students requiring root canals, extractions, and lots of fillings, at a young age.

"I have been in education for 30 years and have had no reports of detrimental effects of fluoride on the health of children.

"We've had students from Auckland and Hamilton come to our school and they have gleaming white, strong teeth compared with the teeth of many Rotorua students."

Mr Walsh said buying fluoride tablets was "hugely inconvenient" for families who then had to remember to administer the pills.

"I have seen how poor teeth can also affect the students' self esteem, particularly if they have to have extractions, because they don't want to smile or show their teeth."

Mr Walsh said there were overwhelmingly positive side effects from having fluoride in the water young people drink.

"Adults have the choice to be for or against fluoride in the water supply but most children don't and they are the ones suffering from the negative side effects."

The fluoride debate was raised in council last month after a submission made by Toi Te Ora Public Health Service medical officer of health Jim Miller.

Dr Miller asked the council to consider introducing fluoride to all water supplies.

The submission stated dental decay was the most prevalent chronic disease in New Zealand and represented a considerable health and economic burden.

"Children living in the Lakes District Health Board region experience higher rates of tooth or dental decay than many other regions of New Zealand.

"Children and teenagers living in areas with water fluoridation have, on average, 40 per cent less tooth decay than those living in non-fluoridated areas."

Those against the proposal are to hold a public meeting in Rotorua tomorrow. Organised by Fluoride Free New Zealand, the meeting will be at Sudima Hotel, from 4pm to 6pm.