May 29, 2013
Hamilton dentists bare teeth over fluoride
Māori dentists and health organisations have joined with the Waikato District Health Board and the region’s medical officer of health to push for continued use of fluoride in Hamilton’s water supply.
The Hamilton City Council is holding public hearings on the contentious issue.
Rudi Johnston from the New Zealand Māori Dental Association, and Albert Kawene from Raukura Hauora ō Tainui, said that because many poorer Māori families do not place great emphasis on keeping children's teeth clean, they need fluoridated water as an additional measure.
Dr Kawene says Māori children need fluoride more than they need dentists.
Opponents say the problem is the amount of sugar consumed by New Zealanders, and the benefits of fluoride on teeth are over-stated.
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