Public Health England’s announcement that adding fluoride to water is linked to improved health, in particular dental health, has been welcomed by RSPH.

The report announced that tooth decay in children is considerably less prevalent in local authorities with fluoridation schemes and 45% fewer children aged one to four were admitted to hospital for tooth decay.

Furthermore the report found no evidence of a link between fluoridated water and harm to health. Public Health England found no differences between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas in their rates of hip fracture, cancer, and Down’s syndrome births.

RSPH Chief Executive Shirley Cramer said: “There are huge inequalities in oral health in the UK and this report highlights an important measure in tackling these inequalities. The report addresses concerns with the fluoridisation of water which have previously been unanswered and we must ensure that public health specialists and the general public understand that fluoridisation is something to be embraced.”

RSPH Treasurer and Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, said: “Although water fluoridation schemes have been in place in the UK for more than 40 years, only around five-and-a-half million people have been drinking water from a fluoridated area. There is a continued need for water fluoridation to help tackle remaining inequalities, particularly in the more deprived areas of the country. Fluoridation is the most important single measure that the UK Government can take to bring a substantial change in the nation’s dental health.”