Written question asked by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Thursday, 23 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 30 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the levels of tooth decay among (a) children and (b) adults in areas where fluroide (i) is and (ii) is not present in drinking water. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the levels of tooth decay among (a) children and (b) adults in areas where fluoride (i) is and (ii) is not present in drinking water. [145000] Mr. Hutton: The recent independent systematic review of water fluoridation conducted by the University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination confirmed that fluoridation reduces tooth decay by, on average, 2.25 teeth per child, and increase by 15 per cent. the proportion of children completely free from tooth decay. Adults living in fluoridated areas have less tooth decay and keep more of their own teeth for longer than those living in non-fluoridated areas.

Secondary information