Water fluoridation may be on the cards for Dubai residents, Middle East Dentist has learnt.

The public health proposal is being considered by the Dubai Health Authority, a government source said, as part of measures to tackle the rocketing levels of decay among the Emirate’s school-age children.

“We’ve been fighting for it for a while,” he said. “Just introducing basic water fluoridation would make my life much easier.”

The proposed move is likely to face opposition from the public, he admitted.

“There is a lot of resistance. There is a lot of debate as to whether fluoride is beneficial or not.”

The American Dental Association cites a 50% decline in cavities since water fluoridation was first introduced in the United States more than 60 years ago.

“Based on the available peer-reviewed evidence, the ADA supports water fluoridation within the optimum range, as a safe and effective means of caries prevention,” the ADA said in a statement.

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