Written question asked by Bill Etherington (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 14 May 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Friday, 14 May 2004 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 availability of routine NHS dental treatment to remove the physical manifestations of dental fluorosis. - Inc ref to A Systematic Review of Water Fluoridation.

Answer: Mr. Etherington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of routine NHS dental treatment to remove the physical manifestations of dental fluorosis. [172111] Ms Rosie Winterton: Dental fluorosis is characterised by a flecking or more rarely a mottling of the teeth, which may leave some people concerned about the appearance of their teeth, although they are endowed with the extra resistance to decay offered by exposure to fluoride. The report, A Systematic Review of Water Fluoridation, published by the University of York in October 2000 estimated that only 12.5 per cent, of cases of dental fluorosis were the cause of aesthetic concern. Often the effects can be ameliorated by dental polishing or alternatively National Health Service patients can, if clinically appropriate, have veneers fitted to the front of the affected teeth.

Secondary information