Water fluoridation: yes or no?

A national children's advocate is urging Thames locals to vote in support of water fluoridation in the referendum which starts this week.

Children's Commissioner Dr Russell Wills is appealing to everyone eligible to vote in the November 5 referendum to 'make the right choice for children and vote to keep fluoride in their water supply”.

Children's Commissioner Dr Russell Wills is calling on Thames locals to vote in support of water fluoridation in the upcoming binding referendum. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/OCC

Thames locals will start receiving voting packs and information for the upcoming binding referendum from this Wednesday (October 14).

Dr Wills believes adding fluoride to water supplies is the best and most cost-effective way to improve the oral health of Kiwi children.

'And it is safe,” he says. 'My most important message is that fluoridated water makes a significant difference to our poorest and most vulnerable children. I am sure the Thames community wants to see these kids doing well.

'It might sound like an exaggeration, but it's not; good oral health is often key to a good and successful life. Bad teeth can lead to other health problems, social stigma and issues getting good employment as an adult.”

Dr Wills says surveys show on average there is 40 per cent less tooth decay for children living in fluoridated areas compared with non-fluoridated areas.

He is now calling on Thames adults to think about the impact their vote could have on the life of a child – and to vote wisely.

'The science is clear and the evidence is clear – fluoridated water makes a difference,” he adds. 'All the major health and dental organisations in New Zealand and the world agree including the World health Organisation, Plunket, NZ Dental Association, Cancer Society of NZ, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the US Surgeon General, to name a few.

'So please vote to keep fluoridation in Thames and do the right thing for our kids.”

For more information, including a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/fluoridereferendum

Do you support adding fluoride to Thames' water supply? Post your comments below.

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