Report finds fluoridation would be 'safe and effective'

Could adding fluoride to drinking water improve oral health?

Adding fluoride to the Island's water supply would offer a 'safe and effective' intervention to reduce dental caries, but more in-depth exploration of the policy will be required.

That's the conclusion of research paper from Public Health Isle of Man, looking at the possible benefits of fluoridation as an oral health measure for the Island.

The paper was commissioned last year, following a report from the Social Affairs Policy Review Committee looking into oral health in children.

The committee called for fluoride varnishes to be made available to children, but Tynwald instead supported an amendment from Health Minister Lawrie Hooper seeking further research into fluoridation as a more cost-effective alternative.

This time last year, 17 per cent of five-year-old children here were said to have dental decay making it one of the main causes of hospital admission in the age group.

The 89-page report includes a recommendation that a comprehensive picture of the current oral health of children in the Isle of Man with a report to be presented to Health, Learning and Social Policy Board by August 2024.

Also; A feasibility study to get a better indication of costs of the set up and ongoing delivery, and public and stakeholder engagement and education on the topic of water fluoridation to increase public knowledge and better understand the perspectives of the Island’s community.

In the section titled 'Limitations of Report', Public Health acknowledges that if consideration is given to a policy moving forward, engagement with the public is 'crucial'.

But, it says it would need to be carefully planned and organised, to ensure that the public are provided with clear, unbiased information on the topic in order to inform the engagement.

You can find more and a link to the report HERE.