Calls for whole county to have fluoride in water

Dr Lisa McNally said there was a "lot of positive preventative work in place"

Health bosses are lobbying for the whole of Worcestershire's water supply to contain fluoride - a public health measure intended to prevent tooth decay.

According to the British Fluoridation Society, schemes to bring fluoride levels up to recommended amounts in the county took place between 1970 and 1991, but areas are still without it.

Lisa McNally, Worcestershire's director of public health, said a request had gone to the government but the north east of England was being prioritised.

The Department of Health said it was working with Severn Trent Water on providing fluoride to affected areas.

Areas still without fluoride in their water include Worcester, Kidderminster, Stourport and the Malvern Hills district, Wednesday's meeting of Worcestershire County Council's health overview and scrutiny committee heard.

Dr McNally said: "There's a really good evidence base for fluoridation and its effect on dental health among young people especially, but also in more socially and economically deprived groups, where you tend to see poorer dental health."

She said the regional director for public health had put in a request for Worcestershire to be included in the next wave of fluoridation.

"They decided to prioritise the north east of England," she said, "But we continue to request."

'Mixed picture'

Councillor Richard Udall said: "I'd consider it one of the main ways we can help prevent dental problems."

Charmaine Hawker, director of delegated commissioning at NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board, said: "Some parts of Worcestershire have it, some don't.

"Herefordshire doesn't have fluoridation at all. So it's a real mixed picture across our patch."

Councillor Richard Morris said there was a "crisis" of under-fives going into school with poor dental health.

Dr McNally said there was a "lot of positive preventative work in place" including supervised tooth brushing for children aged four and under.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "Water fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure that reduces tooth decay.

"We are working with Severn Trent Water to re-fluoridate affected areas in Worcestershire."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.