Water fluoridation will be reintroduced for the Whakatane and Ohope communities now that Whakatane District Council has revoked last month's decision to discontinue fluoridation for these areas.

Photo: file.

'The Whakatane community has experienced the benefits of fluoridated water for over 40 years, and I'm delighted that they and Ohope can now continue to receive the ongoing oral health benefits that water fluoridation provides,” says Bay of Plenty District Health Board Chief Executive Officer Helen Mason.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Neil de Wet agrees.

'This is a good decision for the community that is supported by an overwhelming scientific consensus on the benefits and safety of water fluoridation," says Neil.

"It also respects the choice of the community expressed in the referendum."

The most recent referendum in 2013 showed that 65.8 per cent of voters in Whakatane and 70.5 per cent of voters in Ohope wanted to retain water fluoridation. Referenda in 1995 and 2001 also supported water fluoridation.

'We also welcome the decision to investigate options for water fluoridation in other communities in the district that voted in favour of water fluoridation in the 2013 referendum. The Bay of Plenty DHB looks forward to working with council as they consider this further,” says Helen.

Improving oral health is an important priority for the Bay of Plenty DHB. The Bay of Plenty DHB strongly supports water fluoridation as part of a comprehensive approach to improving oral health and preventing tooth decay.

For more information on fluoridation, visit www.ttophs.govt.nz/fluoridation