October 21, 2016
Fluoride benefit for Maori measured
Adding fluoride to water will save New Zealand $1.4 billion over the next 20 years in reduced dental costs, with Maori among the groups most likely to benefit.
That’s the conclusion of a paper presented at the Water New Zealand Annual Conference in Rotorua this week.
Co-author Andrew Watson from CH2M Beca says fluoridation saves $9 for every dollar invested, although for communities with fewer than 500 people it is unlikely to be cost effective.
He says fluoride has greater absolute benefit for groups with the greatest prevalence of dental decay, particularly Maori and those who are most economically deprived.
This is because fluoride reduces dental decay regardless of ethnicity, socio-economic status and age.
Water New Zealand Chief Executive John Pfahlert says if the Government goes ahead with its plan to make District Health Boards decide whether to fluoridate community water supplies rather than councils, it should also pick up the cost of adding fluoride.
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