Alarm bells have now been raised over the number of children needing general anaesthetic surgeries for dental decay. This must be taken seriously but, the answer is NOT more fluoridation.
With only half of NZ fluoridated, and the latest New Zealand research showing there is no difference between the majority of children in fluoridated, compared to non-fluoridated areas, more fluoridation starts to fit the definition of insanity – doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
In stark contrast, non-fluoridated Scotland and non-fluoridated Denmark have excellent public dental health programmes that have seen dental decay rates in their countries plummet. And to top it off, they are saving money. New Zealand is spending more than they are and our teeth are worse.
“This is a really tremendous example of spending to save. The CHILDSMILE programme shows what can be achieved when we have a real focus on prevention – in particular in the world of public health,” according to Scottish Public Health Minister Maureen Watt.
Fluoride Free New Zealand has also obtained data from all NZ District Health Boards which show the rate of general anaesthetic surgeries for severe tooth decay and the number of fillings needed is no different between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas of New Zealand.
98% of Europeans do not have fluoridation, nor do they have high amounts of naturally occurring fluoride in their water. Fluoridation is not the answer to dental health. New Zealand health authorities need to stop wasting our money on schemes that we now know do not work, and embrace the schemes that are proven, cost-saving and more successful than our fluoridation failure.
Professor Paul Connett, international fluoride expert, is currently giving presentations throughout New Zealand. He spoke to a packed hall of 120 people in Nelson on Sunday and will be speaking in Timaru on Tuesday and Christchurch on Thursday. (See Tour details hers). Part of his presentation explains both the Scottish and Danish successful public dental health programmes. We implore decision makers and media people to hear this valuable information.
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