NZ Ministry of Health Web Page
Printed 11/25/2009 10:00:00 PM
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Fluoridation in New Zealand
www.moh.govt.nz/fluoride
Fluoride is a natural element found in air, soil, fresh water, seawater, plants and lots of foods.
The most widely known and used topical fluorides are incorporated into toothpastes.
Fluoride works in three ways to help protect our teeth from decay:
Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay by strengthening the tooth surface.
Fluoride interferes with the growth of the bacteria which cause cavities.
Fluoride helps to repair the early stages of tooth decay.
More about fluoride
Water fluoridation
Water fluoridation is a proven public health measure to reduce dental caries.
The current level of fluoride found in the water supplies in New Zealand is not effective enough to be of benefit. Therefore increasing the fluoride found in the water supply to a safe level ensures oral health benefits to population of reticulated water supplies.
More about water fluoridation
Related information
Oral health
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