Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Monday, 7 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 July 2008. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 2008 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Fluoride

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on alternative sources of fluoride available for ingestion by the public to promote dental health in the last three years.

Answer: An appraisal of our 'Brushing for Life' scheme, published in 2005, showed that providing young families with free packs containing fluoridate toothpaste, a toothbrush, and guidance on dental hygiene, is capable of increasing the frequency with which parents and carers brush their children's teeth. However, experience shows that oral health promotion campaigns aimed at changing behaviour in respect of diet and tooth-brushing do not achieve the reductions in dental decay offered by the fluoridation of water. Copies of the publication have been placed in the Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 479 c529-30W;479 c527-8W; 217688
Session: 2007-08
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2008-1956
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Drinking water Fluoride
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk