Closed petition Introduce mandatory fluoridation of the water supply to prevent tooth decay

Closed on 4 July 2018

Tooth decay is almost entirely preventable, but is the most common reason why children aged 5 to 9 require hospital admission. Water fluoridation is an effective public health measure proven to reduce tooth decay. Centrally funded and mandated water fluoridation is needed to protect our oral health.

PHE recommends fluoridation, but cannot enforce it. It's within the remit of local authorities, many of which do not have funds to implement it. 31 to 41% of 5-year-old children have evidence of tooth decay, with higher rates in deprived populations.

PHE research reveals:

- 15% fewer 5-year-olds with tooth decay in fluoridated areas, rising to 28% when deprivation is considered
- 45% fewer hospital admissions of children aged 1 to 4 for tooth decay in fluoridated areas