October 02, 2013
DHB goes on attack over fluoride
The Bay of Plenty District Health Board is citing the risk to Maori oral health as a reason to defend fluoridation.
In a referendum running alongside the local government election, Whakatane District residents are voting on whether fluoride is retained in Whakatane and Ohope and extended to other local supplies.
DHB Maori health manager Janet McLean from Ngai Tuhoe says water fluoridation is hugely beneficial for Maori – and there is overwhelming scientific consensus that it is safe.
She says children and adolescents living in fluoridated areas have 40 percent less tooth decay than those living in non-fluoridated areas.
She says it needs to be part of a suite of measures to improve oral health, which also includes brushing teeth twice daily, regular access to dentists and education on healthy food and drinks.
The board’s principal dentist, Rudi Johnson of Ngati Tuwharetoa, says water fluoridation upholds the mauri of water and supports the concept of waiora, the water of life, because it brings good health and wellbeing.
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