In 2003 the Government debated whether or not to put fluoride in our water.  Why? Because of concerns over tooth decay.

The plan was to introduce legislation that would allow health authorities to ask local communities if they wanted fluoridation – and if they answer was yes then they enforce the use of it.

Opponents claimed that fluoride is a pollutant that may be linked to cancers, brittle bones and mottled teeth, although the Governments Medical Research Council says there is no evidence of harm.

At present, water companies have the final say about local fluoridation proposals due to a loophole in the 1985 Water (Fluoridation) Act.

Currently in the UK, only around 10% of the population benefit from a fluoridated water supply.

The BDA recommends that coverage in the UK should be extended to reach 25-30% of the population, and targeted to those areas where tooth decay rates are unacceptably high.

These areas include the West of Scotland, the North West and parts of the North East of England, parts of Wales, Inner London, and Northern Ireland.

Opposition

Environmentalists oppose widespread water fluoridation on the grounds that it could damage the environment.

Jane Jones, director of the Campaign for Pure Water, told the BBC that the review had excluded many studies which indicated that fluoride damaged health.

She said: "Over 100 studies were submitted by parents of fluoride-poisoned children to the review and the criteria were narrowed and they were excluded - it is not good enough.

"This is mass medication without consent. People should call for a public inquiry."

A spokeswoman for the National Pure Water Association said the study had done little to prove the benefits of fluoridation.

She said: "The report shows that claimed reductions in tooth decay are infinitely less than the public has been told."

So the argument goes on.

Are you worried about fluoride in your water or want more details then check out the following web sites:

www.bda-dentistry.org.uk

www.npwa.freeserve.co.uk