Latest Govt survey ignoring rise in dental fluorosis
Green Party Health spokesperson John Gormley TD said the Government’s ‘North South survey of children’s oral health in Ireland’, published today, ignored the rise in dental fluorosis in young people and over-stated the effectiveness of water fluoridation.
Deputy Gormley said: “The Department of Health needs to examine fluorosis – excess fluoride which marks teeth and which has risen dramatically among young people – between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. Fluorosis, which is a manifestation of fluoride overload, needs to be tackled as a matter of urgency.
“Above all else, the Department of Health needs to explain to people why no health studies have been conducted under Section 6 of the Health Act (Fluoridation of Water Supplies 1960). They should also explain why not one of the 33 recommendations of the Department’s own fluoridation forum has been implemented.
“Previous comparisons between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas have over-stated the effectiveness of water fluoridation. The York review – the most comprehensive study conducted on fluoridation – showed a 14.6% difference in dental care rates between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.
“The Green Party has already published draft legislation to end the practise of water fluoridation,” concluded Deputy Gormley.