Director of Oral Health Dr Callum Blackhall
The Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service has supported calls for Far Northern local government authorities to fluoridate their water supplies if they do not already do so.
Torres and Cape HHS Director of Oral Health Dr Callum Blackhall said fluoride in drinking water supplies was proven to be a safe and efficient way to reduce tooth decay for the whole population.
Dr Blackhall said he fully supported Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Director of Oral Health Dr Harry Robertson who called for the fluoridation of municipal water supplies.
“The fluoridation of public water supplies is acknowledged as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century,’’ he said.
“More than 150 major health organisations world-wide including the World Health Organization, the Australian Medical Association (AMA), and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) support water fluoridation.’’
Major water fluoridation legislation was introduced in Queensland in 2008.
When the legislation was first introduced, it was mandatory to add fluoride to all water supplies serving over 1,000 people.
However, in November 2012, the legislation was amended, permitting local governments to decide whether or not to fluoridate their town water supplies.
“This situation remained unchanged. The decision remains in the councils’ hands as to whether they fluoridate their water supplies or not,’’ Dr Blackhall said.
“A few communities in Queensland have naturally-occurring fluoride in the water supply that meets the recommended dosage, like Kowanyama, or already add fluoride to their municipal supply, like Cook Shire.
“But in other communities, local governments should be encouraged and provided with support to supply their communities with fluoridated water where possible.
“The burden of oral disease across the whole Torres and Cape area is significant.
“In communities where fluoridated water is not available, people can improve their oral health by brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, eating a healthy diet, and reducing their intake of sugary foods and drinks.
“But by now there is enough evidence that water fluoridation helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens teeth.
“The decision to start adding fluoride to water supplies should be based on scientific evidence when local government authorities are considering what is in the best interest of the general health of the people they represent.
“Future generations will thank them.
“In the meantime, the Torres and Cape HHS will continue to work closely with local councils on advocating for measures that affect the social determinants of health such as fluoridation of water supplies and supporting councils that want to work towards introducing fluoride into their water.”