What is the Alliance?
The Alliance
for Equity in Dental Health is an informal coalition of organisations who
support water fluoridation as a means of improving dental health. Currently
over 115 organisations are affiliated to
the Alliance
which is jointly co-ordinated by the British Fluoridation Society, the British
Dental Association and the British Medical Association.
What is the aim of the Alliance?
The Alliance
was set up in 1996 to campaign for action by Government to ensure that water
suppliers fluoridate supplies when asked to do so by communities and their
health authorities.
Why do we need a campaign for water fluoridation?
Only around 10% of the UK
population currently receives fluoridated water - mainly in the West Midlands and the North East of England.
Does the public want fluoridation?
Yes. National opinion surveys conducted by NOP and Gallup consistently show
that around 70% of the public believe that fluoride should be added to water
supplies to prevent tooth decay. In addition, statutory local consultations
conducted by over 50 health authorities have demonstrated a high level of
public support.
Who pays for fluoridation?
The total cost of fluoridation is borne by the NHS. Water fluoridation is a
highly cost-effective public health measure. In a recent study of strategies
for reducing tooth decay, the University of York Health
Economics Consortium concluded that "the most cost-effective policy
is fluoridation of water supplies."
How much of a problem is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is a disease which is strongly associated with social
deprivation. It adversely affects the health and quality of life of many
thousands of young children living in socially deprived areas. In Scotland
for example, around 14% of children aged 5 have had tooth extractions - usually
under a general anaesthetic. Of these children the average number of teeth
extracted is 3.6. In parts of Liverpool
1 in 3 young children have had teeth extracted before the age of 5.
Do we need to fluoridate all water supplies?
No. The British Dental Association recommends that coverage should be
extended to reach 25% - 30% of the population where tooth decay rates are
unacceptably high. These areas include: the North
West and parts of the North East of England, Inner London, parts
of Yorkshire, the West of Scotland, parts of Wales,
and Northern
Ireland.
Are we sure that fluoridated water is safe?
Yes. The World Health Organisation recommends that "water
fluoridation is safe and cost-effective and should be introduced and maintained
wherever it is socially acceptable and feasible."
Why get involved?
The Alliance
believes that there is a need to continue to press Government for action to
ensure that water fluoridation is carried out when, following local
consultations, health authorities request it. Public health is everybody's
business, hence the diversity of organisations already supporting the Alliance.
Affiliation to the Alliance
is free, and will demonstrate your organisation's commitment to reducing health
inequalities.
Local councils introduced water fluoridation to Birmingham
and Newcastle
in the 1960s. As a result many thousands of children have grown up with strong
healthy teeth, and without experiencing the trauma of tooth extraction.
Children in the North West of England, Scotland,
Northern Ireland, Wales, Yorkshire,
and Inner London deserve to enjoy the benefits too. Please encourage your
organisation to help reduce inequalities in dental health by supporting the
National Alliance for Equity in Dental Health.
For more information, or to join the Alliance please contact us today: bfs@bfsweb.org
BFS
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