The British Fluoridation Society (BFS) has officially welcomed the UK chief medical officers (CMOs) statement confirming that water fluoridation is an effective public health intervention for reducing the prevalence of tooth decay and improving oral health inequalities across the UK.

The statement from the CMOs said, “On balance, there is strong scientific evidence that water fluoridation is an effective public health intervention for reducing the prevalence of tooth decay and improving dental health equality across the UK. It should be seen as a complementary strategy, not a substitute for other effective methods of increasing fluoride use.”

Barry Cockcroft CBE, chair of the BFS, commented, “We welcome this important statement. It confirms that water fluoridation schemes are safe and effective and that they have a positive impact on tackling completely avoidable oral health inequalities in children and adults across the UK.

“We have been campaigning on this issue for many years and it is great to see it back on the table. Community water fluoridation schemes positively benefit all ages, both children and the increasing number of older people retaining their teeth into later life.

“The ability to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavities with the simple addition of fluoride to water is a powerful and cost-effective tool, along with other preventive measures.”

Read the full CMO statement here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-fluoridation-statement-from-the-uk-chief-medical-officers/statement-on-water-fluoridation-from-the-uk-chief-medical-officers

For more information on the BFS visit https://bfsweb.org

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