Kia ora koutou,
In Aotearoa New Zealand, many of our water supplies have added fluoride to help strengthen our teeth and prevent dental caries (also known as dental cavities).
In 2014, Royal Society Te Apārangi published a comprehensive review looking at the health effects of water fluoridation. The review found that there were no adverse effects of fluoride of any significance arising from fluoridation at the levels used in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This year we have considered reviews and research on fluoridation that have been published subsequently, as fluoridation remains a topic of public interest and concern.
Through our research we have found the conclusions of the Royal Society Te Apārangi remain appropriate and there are no adverse effects of fluoride of any significance arising from fluoridation at the levels used here. Adding fluoride to water continues to have a positive impact by reducing the incidence of dental caries in Aotearoa New Zealand and is particularly important in reducing socioeconomic health inequities. We explore the research, including some which claims adverse effects, in some detail.
Ngā mihi nui,