Mixed opinions on fluoridation of Cornwall's water

A report said the oral health situation in children in Cornwall showed a "concerning deterioration" as they got older

Councillors are torn over plans to add fluoride to Cornwall's water supply in a bid to tackle "worsening oral decay levels".

The council’s health and adult social care overview and scrutiny committee met on Wednesday to discuss starting the process of adding the chemical compound to the water system.

It comes after a report to the committee, by two health professionals, said the oral health situation in children in Cornwall shows a "concerning deterioration" as they get older.

But councillor Jennifer Cruse said she struggled with the idea of fluoridation which wasn't supported by residents she represented.

'Effective measure'

The meeting heard any cost related to adding fluoride to Cornwall’s water would be covered by the Department of Health, not South West Water or taxpayers.

In a report to the committee, the director of public health, Rachel Wigglesworth, and consultant in public health, Eunan O’Neill, said water fluoridation was an effective oral health prevention measure.

Councillors discussed whether to support the leader of the council, Linda Taylor, in writing to health secretary Wes Streeting to initiate a consultation on fluoridation of Cornwall's water.

Councillor Nicky Chopak said she carried out a limited straw poll but found people were divided 50-50 on the issue.

Committee chairman councillor John Bastin said 6.1million people had used fluoridated water since the 1950s.

"If there has been serious health issues, such as gum disease or effects on IQ, surely we would see that evidence by now", he said.

'No golden bullet'

Councillor Andy Virr, portfolio holder for health, supported fluoridation.

He said: "It is absolutely the right thing we should be doing in Cornwall – it’s very powerful that the combined chief medical officers for the United Kingdom have got behind this".

But councillor Jennifer Cruse said she “philosophically definitely struggles" with the idea.

“I’ve spoken to quite a few of my residents – there wasn’t one who wanted it," she said.

Councillor Loveday Jenkin advised against pinning too much hope on fluoridation.

She said: "We have huge challenges in Cornwall – we have huge challenges in dentistry, but I don’t think this is the golden bullet it is being presented as.”

A second recommendation was carried to start the process of consultation.