Fluoridation in New Zealand

Water fluoridation

Why is water fluoridated?

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.

Water fluoridation has been established as a safe and effective public health procedure.

How do we know fluoridation is effective?

Reducing Inequalities

Water fluoridation also contributes to equity of health outcomes as the benefit of dental caries prevention is greater for those in low socioeconomic groups, Maori and children.

In addition, preventing dental caries leads to the prevention of pain and suffering and the need for hospital treatment of severe caries in many cases. It contributes to the prevention of dental abscesses and, uncommonly such serious infections as infective endocarditis in particular groups.