Major talks are in progress over the possibility of adding fluoride to Derby’swater supply in a bid to tackle the city’s dental crisis.
Drops in oral health levels among Derby residents remains a serious problem. A significant number of young children are experiencing tooth decay and a large proportion of adults do not have access to an NHSdentist.
It is reported that fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, strengthens the outer surface of teeth “making them more resistant to decay”.
The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed discussions have begun with Severn Trent Water to bring a water fluoridation scheme to Derby.
This confirmation has come after the city’s health leader told a meeting she feared the plans, first mooted more than a year ago, had gone “dormant”.
The ongoing dental crisis in Derby stems from challenges including issues with workforce recruitment and retention, difficulties in accessing dental services and professional discontentment with national contracts.
It is understood the Covid-19 pandemic compounded issues, leading to a reduction in the number of new patients accepted by NHS dentists and resulting in large backlogs for patients to be seen.
NHS figures showed 21 per cent of five-year-olds in Derby have experience of tooth decay – which is above the national average.
Original article online at: https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/big-update-emerges-plan-tackle-11094211.amp