Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Edwin Poots is reportedly considering fluoridating the water supply in order to improve the population’s oral health.

Water fluoridation ensures the delivery of fluoride to less affluent areas of society and can help reduce the prevalence of dental disease, although opponents of the scheme debate its value.

As reported by the Londonderry Sentinel, Mr Poots said: ‘The 2007 Oral Health Strategy stated that the greatest oral health gain is likely to be achieved through community water fluoridation.

‘Water fluoridation ensures delivery of fluoride to ‘hard-to-reach’ groups such as those of lower socioeconomic status who are more likely to experience dental disease. I am giving consideration to fluoridation of the water supplies at present.

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