Fluoride in Drinking Water
The addition of Fluoride to water supplies is a proven method for prevention and control dental decay. The NZ Ministry of Health has a number of publications regarding fluoridation of water supplies. Visit the Ministry Of Health website www.nzhis.govt.nz, and search on 'Fluoride' to view the documents. Other web sites which give information about fluoride are:
Fluoride tablets are available from pharmacies. They are for children over 3 years of age living in non-fluoridated areas, who are at risk of high decay and whose fluoride intake has been assessed by a dental professional. The tablets should be taken at the doses stated on the container. They should not be used by children drinking from a fluoridated water supply, or where the natural fluoride level is over 0.3 parts per million. Parents should consult with their dentist or dental therapist if unsure about the use of fluorides in their residential area, or for other advice on oral health. Local authority offices can provide information on the distribution of fluoridated water in the area.
