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Fluoridation in New Zealand

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Fluoridation in New Zealand

Water Fluoridation

History

More than 70 years ago, dental researchers in the US noticed that people in some areas had much lower decay rates than their neighbours. Subsequently it was found that the difference was due to the levels of fluoride in the drinking-water. Those communities with low levels of fluoride had more tooth decay.

The use of water fluoridation first began in New Zealand in Hastings in 1954. A Commission of Inquiry was held in 1957 and then its use rapidly expanded in the mid 1960s. The decision to introduce fluoridation water has been made by local authorities who have the power to supply water for their district (section 379, Local Government Act 1974). There has been little change in the proportion of the population served by water fluoridation. At present there are some 84 fluoridated water supplies in the country.

The connection between dental decay and the amount of fluoride in water was first noted in the early part of the 1900s when it was observed that residents and immigrants of some parts of the US developed brown stains on their teeth. These stained teeth, although unsightly, were highly resistant to dental decay.

In the 1930s, researchers discovered that the prevalence and severity of this type of mottled enamel (dental fluorosis) was directly associated with the amount of fluoride found naturally in the water, in some areas as high as 13.7 ppm. It was subsequently recognised that if fluoride in the water was at an optimal level of 0.7ppm to 1.2 ppm, teeth remained resistant to dental decay but were not stained.

The results of numerous studies in areas where fluoride has been added to water supplies at this optimal level, verify the effectiveness, safety, and economy of this public health measure in reducing dental decay.