Dentist “so mad” at decision to remove fluoride from water
YEPPOON dentist John Christensen believes a decision to remove fluoride from Rockhampton region's water supply would defy all logic.
Nine Queensland councils have voted to remove fluoride from public water supplies, but Rockhampton councillors are still undecided.
Dr Christensen said fluoride was the most studied public health measure ever and according to the ES Centers for Disease Control, one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
"I get so mad that such a short sighted decision could be made to take it out of the water," he said.
"We've fought so hard to get Queensland to catch up with the rest of Australia, and finally managed to achieve it."
Dr Christensen said fluoride was a nutrient which naturally occurred in water.
"Lots of substances are dangerous at high levels but beneficial, even essential at low levels," he said.
With a 20-40% reduction in tooth decay, dentists stand to make no economic gains from the addition of fluoride to water.
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However they have consistently advocated for it.
"All the peak bodies support fluoridation…but you can't fight irrational arguments with logic and science," said Dr Christensen.
