UK - Dental health teams to work with schools
Published Date:
31 December 2010
By Clive Whittingham
News reporter
Hundreds of children at 40 nurseries and schools are to benefit from a new scheme to improve dental health among children in the north of the county.
The Smile Squad will visit the schools and nurseries in the Kettering area to deliver fun presentations and education about caring for teeth over the next three years.
Are you happy for your child's teeth to be coated in fluoride varnish? Let us know your views by signing-in and posting your comments at the bottom of the page.
The £67,000 scheme funded by the Department of Health will see children receive a free check up at school and be offered a coating of fluoride varnish for their teeth.
If the scheme is a success it will be expanded to other areas.
A similar project has already been a success in Northampton.
Julie Barker, senior nursery nurse at Acorns Day Nursery in Burton Latimer, which is one of 40 nurseries and schools being invited to take part in the pilot, said: "Anything that makes dental care more exciting for children is worth a go.
"Brushing your teeth is something we have all got to do and by making
it fun for the children that will help them get into good habits which is fantastic.
"For many children at nursery whose parents are working and perhaps can't take them to the dentist without taking a day off themselves this will make it simpler and easier for them.
"Bringing things back into the nursery takes the pressure off parents, and it stops the children seeing the dentist as a big scary place."
The sessions will be provided by Northfields Dental Practice in Kettering which has won a three-year contract from the NHS.
Shalin Mehra, managing director of Rodericks Dental which owns the practice, said: "We will be visiting a number of nurseries and schools that have nursery classes, talking to them about dental care.
"We aim to improve the oral health of children in nurseries and are looking forward to working with parents, the nurseries and the PCT to ensure that we deliver a service that is needed, wanted and that everybody will be proud of.
"We will be contacting the identified nurseries and schools in the New Year to begin booking the sessions."
Children will be given a brief check-up during the visits and offered an appointment for treatment if they don't have a regular dentist.
spokesman for NHS Northamptonshire said: "Fluoride varnish can reduce the incidence of tooth decay by up to 30 per cent and NHS
Northamptonshire would encourage all parents and carers of children who are offered this service to participate."
31 Dec 2010
26 Dec 2010
Australia - QUEENSLAND'S water bosses have breached health regulations again.
QUEENSLAND'S water bosses have breached health regulations again.
After two years of trying, they still can't get the fluoride dosage right in the State's water supplies.
After accurately dosing the water for the first time in the April-June quarter this year, water authorities bungled it again between July and September, underdosing one plant.
The Amity Point water treatment plant, which began delivering ongoing fluoride for the first time in September, received just 0.6 mg/L of fluoride.
Health regulations require the water to receive between 0.7mg/L and 0.9mg/L.
All other plants, including the the five major plants which supply 80 per cent of fluoridated drinking water to the region, delivered the right concentration.
Since fluoride was controversially first introduced into the grid in December 2008, the process has been plagued by one massive overdose and a series of underdoses.
The overdose led to residents receiving 13 times the acceptable limit of fluoride.
Authorities only have to comply on an average basis over the quarter to meet regulations, but the latest QH reports show the plants had days during the July quarter where as little as 0.01mg/L was recorded.
Water Grid spokesman Barry Dennien said he was happy all major plants had been dosed appropriately.
He said they were delivering the maximum health benefit to the community.
"It was also very encouraging to see the majority of smaller water treatment plants ... meet the required concentration levels," he said.
Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek said it was unacceptable the water bosses still couldn't get the dosage right in the $35 million program.
"These results raise more questions about promises the roll-out would be safe and controlled," Mr Langbroek said.
"What we are seeing, time and time again, is water suppliers failing to meet the standards for fluoride delivery.
After two years of trying, they still can't get the fluoride dosage right in the State's water supplies.
After accurately dosing the water for the first time in the April-June quarter this year, water authorities bungled it again between July and September, underdosing one plant.
The Amity Point water treatment plant, which began delivering ongoing fluoride for the first time in September, received just 0.6 mg/L of fluoride.
Health regulations require the water to receive between 0.7mg/L and 0.9mg/L.
All other plants, including the the five major plants which supply 80 per cent of fluoridated drinking water to the region, delivered the right concentration.
Since fluoride was controversially first introduced into the grid in December 2008, the process has been plagued by one massive overdose and a series of underdoses.
The overdose led to residents receiving 13 times the acceptable limit of fluoride.
Authorities only have to comply on an average basis over the quarter to meet regulations, but the latest QH reports show the plants had days during the July quarter where as little as 0.01mg/L was recorded.
Water Grid spokesman Barry Dennien said he was happy all major plants had been dosed appropriately.
He said they were delivering the maximum health benefit to the community.
"It was also very encouraging to see the majority of smaller water treatment plants ... meet the required concentration levels," he said.
Opposition leader John-Paul Langbroek said it was unacceptable the water bosses still couldn't get the dosage right in the $35 million program.
"These results raise more questions about promises the roll-out would be safe and controlled," Mr Langbroek said.
"What we are seeing, time and time again, is water suppliers failing to meet the standards for fluoride delivery.
25 Dec 2010
ALLISON WATKINS: Don't overwater the indoor houseplants
ALLISON WATKINS: Don't overwater the indoor houseplants
By Allison Watkins
.............Many houseplants are particularly sensitive to chemicals in city water, especially fluoride. Using rainwater or distilled water may improve the health of some houseplants showing distress such as brown leaf tips.
And some humans too.
By Allison Watkins
.............Many houseplants are particularly sensitive to chemicals in city water, especially fluoride. Using rainwater or distilled water may improve the health of some houseplants showing distress such as brown leaf tips.
And some humans too.
24 Dec 2010
Britain's dental health improves, but concerns still remain
Britain's dental health improves, but concerns still remain
Improvements to the dental health of the British population are being undermined by a widespread failure for many people to visit a dentist on a regular basis.
Official figures published today show that the proportion of adults in England with visible decay has fallen by a fifth since 1998.
The figures, outlined in the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey, also show the proportion of adults who had no natural teeth has also fallen in the last 30 years, by almost a quarter in England and by more than a third in Northern Ireland and Wales.
However, one third of the adult population fail to go to the dentist regularly, putting their dental health at risk.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said the latest figures confirm the progress which has been made in regards to the improving standards of oral health in the UK.
"We have suspected this to be true for a while now and it is certainly pleasing to finally see this indeed to be the case," he said. But he added that while there is greater awareness of the importance of regular dental health checks, people are failing to actually visit their dentist as much as they should.....
........Matthews said that there is a widespread failure to recognise that the two main dental diseases, tooth decay and gum disease, are "almost totally preventable".
He added: "We know enough - enough to prevent another child ever crying with toothache, enough to keep everyone's smile for a lifetime. It's a question of whether we want to know these things, when we spend nearly £5bn on sweets alone in the UK each year, but only a third of a billion on toothpaste."
Improvements to the dental health of the British population are being undermined by a widespread failure for many people to visit a dentist on a regular basis.
Official figures published today show that the proportion of adults in England with visible decay has fallen by a fifth since 1998.
The figures, outlined in the 2009 Adult Dental Health Survey, also show the proportion of adults who had no natural teeth has also fallen in the last 30 years, by almost a quarter in England and by more than a third in Northern Ireland and Wales.
However, one third of the adult population fail to go to the dentist regularly, putting their dental health at risk.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said the latest figures confirm the progress which has been made in regards to the improving standards of oral health in the UK.
"We have suspected this to be true for a while now and it is certainly pleasing to finally see this indeed to be the case," he said. But he added that while there is greater awareness of the importance of regular dental health checks, people are failing to actually visit their dentist as much as they should.....
........Matthews said that there is a widespread failure to recognise that the two main dental diseases, tooth decay and gum disease, are "almost totally preventable".
He added: "We know enough - enough to prevent another child ever crying with toothache, enough to keep everyone's smile for a lifetime. It's a question of whether we want to know these things, when we spend nearly £5bn on sweets alone in the UK each year, but only a third of a billion on toothpaste."
23 Dec 2010
22 Dec 2010
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 7 December (WA 34-5), whether the recommendations in Sections 12.4, 12.7.2 and 12.9.1 to 3 of the York report will form part of the programme of further research into water fluoridation to which they are committed. [HL5220]
Earl Howe: The department has publicised the fact that it wishes to strengthen the evidence base on fluoridation and will consider, within available resources, soundly based proposals for research projects, including ones which reflect the recommendations of both the York report and the review by the Medical Research Council, Water Fluoridation and Health, published in 2002. A research project is under way on the extent and aesthetic effects of dental fluorosis and I understand the chief dental officer indicated, at a meeting with the noble Earl, that the evaluation of a new fluoride scheme would offer an opportunity to assess the effects on dental decay whilst adjusting for confounding factors. Any such evaluation could also be used to assess the cost-effectiveness of fluoridation.
To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 7 December (WA 34-5), whether the recommendations in Sections 12.4, 12.7.2 and 12.9.1 to 3 of the York report will form part of the programme of further research into water fluoridation to which they are committed. [HL5220]
Earl Howe: The department has publicised the fact that it wishes to strengthen the evidence base on fluoridation and will consider, within available resources, soundly based proposals for research projects, including ones which reflect the recommendations of both the York report and the review by the Medical Research Council, Water Fluoridation and Health, published in 2002. A research project is under way on the extent and aesthetic effects of dental fluorosis and I understand the chief dental officer indicated, at a meeting with the noble Earl, that the evaluation of a new fluoride scheme would offer an opportunity to assess the effects on dental decay whilst adjusting for confounding factors. Any such evaluation could also be used to assess the cost-effectiveness of fluoridation.
Fluoride in Water Linked to Lower IQ in Children
Fluoride in Water Linked to Lower IQ in Children
Is this the end of water fluoridation?
NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Exposure to fluoride may lower children's intelligence says a study pre-published in Environmental Health Perspectives, a publication of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (online December 17, 2010).
Fluoride is added to 70% of U.S. public drinking water supplies.
According to Paul Connett, Ph.D., director of the Fluoride Action Network, "This is the 24th study that has found this association, but this study is stronger than the rest because the authors have controlled for key confounding variables and in addition to correlating lowered IQ with levels of fluoride in the water, the authors found a correlation between lowered IQ and fluoride levels in children's blood. This brings us closer to a cause and effect relationship between fluoride exposure and brain damage in children."
"What is also striking is that the levels of the fluoride in the community where the lowered IQs were recorded were lower than the EPA's so-called 'safe' drinking water standard for fluoride of 4 ppm and far too close for comfort to the levels used in artificial fluoridation programs (0.7 – 1.2 ppm)," says Connett.......
Is this the end of water fluoridation?
NEW YORK, Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Exposure to fluoride may lower children's intelligence says a study pre-published in Environmental Health Perspectives, a publication of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (online December 17, 2010).
Fluoride is added to 70% of U.S. public drinking water supplies.
According to Paul Connett, Ph.D., director of the Fluoride Action Network, "This is the 24th study that has found this association, but this study is stronger than the rest because the authors have controlled for key confounding variables and in addition to correlating lowered IQ with levels of fluoride in the water, the authors found a correlation between lowered IQ and fluoride levels in children's blood. This brings us closer to a cause and effect relationship between fluoride exposure and brain damage in children."
"What is also striking is that the levels of the fluoride in the community where the lowered IQs were recorded were lower than the EPA's so-called 'safe' drinking water standard for fluoride of 4 ppm and far too close for comfort to the levels used in artificial fluoridation programs (0.7 – 1.2 ppm)," says Connett.......
New fat-kids alert on soft drinks
New fat-kids alert on soft drinks
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Health authorities have renewed warnings against children consuming too many sugar-loaded soft drinks because they cause obesity and tooth decay.
The warning was issued after a Department of Health poll found that 51.1 percent of schoolchildren consume soft drinks at least once a day.
The findings were highlighted in the latest issue of Non-Communicable Diseases Watch, published by the Centre for Health Protection.
The poll of more than 9,000 Primary Four and Five students was carried out in 2008.
A household survey by the department in 2005-06 also found many children start to consume soft drinks at an early age, with the amount drunk increasing with age.
It found that more than four-fifths of two- to 14-year-olds consumed soft drinks in the seven days preceding the survey, while 26 percent had at least one glass each day..........
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Health authorities have renewed warnings against children consuming too many sugar-loaded soft drinks because they cause obesity and tooth decay.
The warning was issued after a Department of Health poll found that 51.1 percent of schoolchildren consume soft drinks at least once a day.
The findings were highlighted in the latest issue of Non-Communicable Diseases Watch, published by the Centre for Health Protection.
The poll of more than 9,000 Primary Four and Five students was carried out in 2008.
A household survey by the department in 2005-06 also found many children start to consume soft drinks at an early age, with the amount drunk increasing with age.
It found that more than four-fifths of two- to 14-year-olds consumed soft drinks in the seven days preceding the survey, while 26 percent had at least one glass each day..........
20 Dec 2010
18 Dec 2010
Citizen: something’s in the water?
Citizen: something’s in the water?
Written by By Meg Coker
Friday, 17 December 2010 17:57
A citizen asked for a more thorough look at the fluoride content of the town’s water at the Dec. 7 meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
Rob Sartori presented aldermen with a detailed report on the cons of fluoridation. He asked that the board consider several questions and provide him with the answers within 30 days. He also requested the board notify customers via their water bills of the use of fluoride.
The board took the matter under advisement.
According to the materials Sartori provided, fluoride poses health risks for infants. Babies, who are exposed to fluoridated water mixed with infant formula, may be at risk for thyroid problems, disruptions to the production of endocrine, and bone cancer, among other issues. Materials also report that fluoridation has been linked to health problems in adults such as kidney disease and types of cancer.
What about here in the UK, are the PCTs in areas that are fluoridated telling new mothers this?
Written by By Meg Coker
Friday, 17 December 2010 17:57
A citizen asked for a more thorough look at the fluoride content of the town’s water at the Dec. 7 meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
Rob Sartori presented aldermen with a detailed report on the cons of fluoridation. He asked that the board consider several questions and provide him with the answers within 30 days. He also requested the board notify customers via their water bills of the use of fluoride.
The board took the matter under advisement.
According to the materials Sartori provided, fluoride poses health risks for infants. Babies, who are exposed to fluoridated water mixed with infant formula, may be at risk for thyroid problems, disruptions to the production of endocrine, and bone cancer, among other issues. Materials also report that fluoridation has been linked to health problems in adults such as kidney disease and types of cancer.
What about here in the UK, are the PCTs in areas that are fluoridated telling new mothers this?
16 Dec 2010
Re: FAN Bulletins
Re: FAN Bulletins
The only way we shall win the fluoride war is by co-operating with our fellows; we shall not do it by criticising other groups and splitting into smaller and smaller competing fractions. There is absolutely no doubt that Fluoride Action Network (FAN) leads the anti-fluoridation campaign internationally.
Dr Paul Connett, FAN's Director, at minimal cost to the groups he helps, cheerfully travels the world to speak against fluoride with professionalism, detailed knowledge of the subject, scientific rigour, authority and always a touch of humour. I was particularly grateful for his involvement in Consultation events in Southampton in 2008 and for his eloquence in putting anti-fluoride viewpoints to the meeting called by the EU's Scientific Committee for Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) in Brussels in September. Some Friends of the Earth members may know of Professor Connett from his tireless work around the world opposing incinerators.
The FAN website www.fluoridealert.org is an extremely valuable resource for all anti-fluoride campaigners. It is updated frequently and carries the Professionals' Statement as well as huge amounts of fully referenced information on the history of fluoridation, health effects of fluoride, campaigns past and present, and more. Money is needed to keep up the momentum of any campaigning organisation and FAN makes an annual appeal to its supporters in order to raise funds. It is easy for a UK citizen to donate in US dollars using a credit card. Barclaycard charges a modest commission of 2.5% for the currency conversion. Other means of payment may carry higher charges. Anyone who wishes to support FAN can do so via the website: -
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=5061
The recent book* by Professors Paul Connett, James Beck and Spedding Micklem sets out very clearly the reasons why fluoridation should be opposed. I have read it cover-to-cover and can thoroughly recommend it. The book will do no good whatsoever if it sits in a warehouse. It needs wide distribution to be effective as a tool of persuasion. A copy signed by Professor Connett will be posted to anyone in the UK who donates $63 (approximately £40 sterling) to FAN.
* Connett P, Beck J, Micklem HS. 'The case against fluoride: how hazardous waste ended up in our drinking water and the bad science and powerful politics that keep it there.' Paperback; 348 pages; ISBN-13:9781603582872. Published by Chelsea Green Publishing, 85 North Main Street, Suite 120, White River Jct., Vermont 05001, USA. Available from Amazon from £11.18 plus p&p..
Elizabeth McDonagh (Chairman, National Pure Water Association)
The only way we shall win the fluoride war is by co-operating with our fellows; we shall not do it by criticising other groups and splitting into smaller and smaller competing fractions. There is absolutely no doubt that Fluoride Action Network (FAN) leads the anti-fluoridation campaign internationally.
Dr Paul Connett, FAN's Director, at minimal cost to the groups he helps, cheerfully travels the world to speak against fluoride with professionalism, detailed knowledge of the subject, scientific rigour, authority and always a touch of humour. I was particularly grateful for his involvement in Consultation events in Southampton in 2008 and for his eloquence in putting anti-fluoride viewpoints to the meeting called by the EU's Scientific Committee for Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) in Brussels in September. Some Friends of the Earth members may know of Professor Connett from his tireless work around the world opposing incinerators.
The FAN website www.fluoridealert.org is an extremely valuable resource for all anti-fluoride campaigners. It is updated frequently and carries the Professionals' Statement as well as huge amounts of fully referenced information on the history of fluoridation, health effects of fluoride, campaigns past and present, and more. Money is needed to keep up the momentum of any campaigning organisation and FAN makes an annual appeal to its supporters in order to raise funds. It is easy for a UK citizen to donate in US dollars using a credit card. Barclaycard charges a modest commission of 2.5% for the currency conversion. Other means of payment may carry higher charges. Anyone who wishes to support FAN can do so via the website: -
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=5061
The recent book* by Professors Paul Connett, James Beck and Spedding Micklem sets out very clearly the reasons why fluoridation should be opposed. I have read it cover-to-cover and can thoroughly recommend it. The book will do no good whatsoever if it sits in a warehouse. It needs wide distribution to be effective as a tool of persuasion. A copy signed by Professor Connett will be posted to anyone in the UK who donates $63 (approximately £40 sterling) to FAN.
* Connett P, Beck J, Micklem HS. 'The case against fluoride: how hazardous waste ended up in our drinking water and the bad science and powerful politics that keep it there.' Paperback; 348 pages; ISBN-13:9781603582872. Published by Chelsea Green Publishing, 85 North Main Street, Suite 120, White River Jct., Vermont 05001, USA. Available from Amazon from £11.18 plus p&p..
Elizabeth McDonagh (Chairman, National Pure Water Association)
15 Dec 2010
Fluoride and Hypothyroidism
There are also abnormal high levels of people with underactive thyroid in the West Midlands too. The area also has fluoride added to the water, which has been linked to hypothyroidism... - Dee, Birmingham, 14/12/2010 14:33 Yeah and I bet they are all big boned too.
- Dave, Surrey, 14/12/2010 16:33
Why folk in Brum have the biggest tums: curry capital tops European obesity league
14 Dec 2010
Toothpaste chemical 'that can leave unborn babies brain damaged'
Toothpaste chemical 'that can leave unborn babies brain damaged'
By Pat Hagan
A chemical in toothpastes and soaps has been linked with brain damage to babies in the womb.
Scientists fear pregnant women who are exposed to high levels of the chemical, called triclosan, may be putting their babies at risk.
Alarming new findings suggest triclosan may disrupt the flow of blood to the uterus, starving a baby’s brain of the oxygen it needs to develop properly.
Last night researchers involved in the study called for urgent investigations into the dangers to unborn babies.
Professor Margaret James of the University of Florida said: ‘We know it’s a problem. But we just don’t know how much of a problem.’
Triclosan is a powerful anti-bacterial that was developed nearly 50 years ago.
It is now commonly used in everything from toothpastes, deodorants and handwashes to washing-up liquid, anti-bacterial chopping boards and even some toys.
However, it has been dogged by concerns over its safety and earlier this year the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. announced it was carrying out a major review on its safety.
In the latest study, tests on sheep showed it interferes with an enzyme that allows the hormone oestrogen to circulate in the womb.
Oestrogen helps to keep open the main artery carrying oxygen-rich blood to the foetus....
By Pat Hagan
A chemical in toothpastes and soaps has been linked with brain damage to babies in the womb.
Scientists fear pregnant women who are exposed to high levels of the chemical, called triclosan, may be putting their babies at risk.
Alarming new findings suggest triclosan may disrupt the flow of blood to the uterus, starving a baby’s brain of the oxygen it needs to develop properly.
Last night researchers involved in the study called for urgent investigations into the dangers to unborn babies.
Professor Margaret James of the University of Florida said: ‘We know it’s a problem. But we just don’t know how much of a problem.’
Triclosan is a powerful anti-bacterial that was developed nearly 50 years ago.
It is now commonly used in everything from toothpastes, deodorants and handwashes to washing-up liquid, anti-bacterial chopping boards and even some toys.
However, it has been dogged by concerns over its safety and earlier this year the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. announced it was carrying out a major review on its safety.
In the latest study, tests on sheep showed it interferes with an enzyme that allows the hormone oestrogen to circulate in the womb.
Oestrogen helps to keep open the main artery carrying oxygen-rich blood to the foetus....
13 Dec 2010
12 Dec 2010
Judicial Review of the Fluoride Consultation held in Southampton
Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th January 2011 10:30am at the Royal Courts of Justice, Strand WC2A 2LL, at the east end of Aldwych, nearest tube Temple. The court number in which it will be held is not yet announced, but will be on a list displayed inside the entrance to the court (and available from beginning January at www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/cms/cause.htm)
10 Dec 2010
9 Dec 2010
One in 10 adults in Wales 'has no natural teeth'
One in 10 adults in Wales has no natural teeth. In England the figure is one in 17 and in Northern Ireland it is one in 14.
However, overall, the majority of adults - 71% - had no decay on the crowns of their teeth.
The figure has improved vastly since 1978, when one third of Welsh adults had no natural teeth.
Wales is not fluoridated and only 10% have lost all their teeth. In the US, which is 70% fluoridation, 18% have lost all their teeth:NYSCOF
However, overall, the majority of adults - 71% - had no decay on the crowns of their teeth.
The figure has improved vastly since 1978, when one third of Welsh adults had no natural teeth.
Wales is not fluoridated and only 10% have lost all their teeth. In the US, which is 70% fluoridation, 18% have lost all their teeth:NYSCOF
Britain's bad teeth on the mend figures show
Britain's bad teeth on the mend figures show
By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor 5:30PM GMT 08 Dec 2010
In 1978 more than one in four adults had none of their natural teeth left but this had dropped to one in 16 by last year.
The British have a reputation abroad for having bad teeth but the figures show that dental health has improved dramatically in the last generation.
More people are now going to their dentist regularly than in the 1970s but still two in five admit they do not get their teeth checked regularly.
New dental regulation is waste of money: dentists 16 Nov 2010
The Government could save money by scrapping unnecessary new dental quango 16 Nov 2010
The survey also found that more than one in ten people suffer extreme anxiety before visiting the dentist with the problem more common among women than men.
Dental health was worse in Wales than in England or Northern Ireland. The survey was not conducted in Scotland.
The survey was conducted among a total of more than 11,000 people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, by the Office for National Statistics and is the biggest dental survey conducted for ten years.
Tim Straughan, chief executive of the NHS Information Centre, said: "This survey shows dental health has improved in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the condition of people's teeth overall has got much better since this survey was first carried out in 1968.
"However it does show there is variation in dental health between England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as in the percentage of our populations who see a dentist regularly.
"The survey also suggests that more than one in 10 of us are extremely anxious about being in the dentist's chair."
Ian O’Sullivan, from ONS, said: “Just over half (51 per cent) of adults who had ever been to the dentist were classified as having low or no dental anxiety, but over a third (36 per cent) were classified as having moderate dental anxiety, and 12 per cent of adults were shown to have ‘extreme anxiety’.
“The survey shows that, although Wales still has more serious dental problems than England, the overall picture of the state of the three nations’ teeth has greatly improved since the first Adult Dental Health Survey was conducted in 1968.
"The majority of adults, 71 per cent, had no decay on the crowns of their teeth. And three-fifths, 61 per cent, of adults in England with at least one natural tooth attended the dentist for regular check-ups, compared to 44 per cent in 1978.”
Professor Damien Walmsley British Dental Association scientific sdviser, said: “This survey confirms that the condition of people's teeth overall has got much better since this survey was first carried out. Fluoride toothpaste, greater awareness of the importance of a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist have all undoubtedly contributed to the better dental health we see in adults today.
“While the growing number of patients retaining more of their teeth into later life is, of course, excellent news, this improvement brings its own challenges. The way that teeth are cared for will need to evolve to ensure that these challenges are met.”
A Department of Health spokesman said: "Even though there have been improvements in adults' oral health, there is more that can and should be done to tackle persistent inequalities.
"As set out in the NHS White Paper, we are committed to introducing a new dental contract to improve the quality of care and address the issue of access. We have set up a national steering group to drive this work forward, with the aim of publishing pilot proposals before the end of the year."
By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor 5:30PM GMT 08 Dec 2010
In 1978 more than one in four adults had none of their natural teeth left but this had dropped to one in 16 by last year.
The British have a reputation abroad for having bad teeth but the figures show that dental health has improved dramatically in the last generation.
More people are now going to their dentist regularly than in the 1970s but still two in five admit they do not get their teeth checked regularly.
New dental regulation is waste of money: dentists 16 Nov 2010
The Government could save money by scrapping unnecessary new dental quango 16 Nov 2010
The survey also found that more than one in ten people suffer extreme anxiety before visiting the dentist with the problem more common among women than men.
Dental health was worse in Wales than in England or Northern Ireland. The survey was not conducted in Scotland.
The survey was conducted among a total of more than 11,000 people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, by the Office for National Statistics and is the biggest dental survey conducted for ten years.
Tim Straughan, chief executive of the NHS Information Centre, said: "This survey shows dental health has improved in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the condition of people's teeth overall has got much better since this survey was first carried out in 1968.
"However it does show there is variation in dental health between England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as in the percentage of our populations who see a dentist regularly.
"The survey also suggests that more than one in 10 of us are extremely anxious about being in the dentist's chair."
Ian O’Sullivan, from ONS, said: “Just over half (51 per cent) of adults who had ever been to the dentist were classified as having low or no dental anxiety, but over a third (36 per cent) were classified as having moderate dental anxiety, and 12 per cent of adults were shown to have ‘extreme anxiety’.
“The survey shows that, although Wales still has more serious dental problems than England, the overall picture of the state of the three nations’ teeth has greatly improved since the first Adult Dental Health Survey was conducted in 1968.
"The majority of adults, 71 per cent, had no decay on the crowns of their teeth. And three-fifths, 61 per cent, of adults in England with at least one natural tooth attended the dentist for regular check-ups, compared to 44 per cent in 1978.”
Professor Damien Walmsley British Dental Association scientific sdviser, said: “This survey confirms that the condition of people's teeth overall has got much better since this survey was first carried out. Fluoride toothpaste, greater awareness of the importance of a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist have all undoubtedly contributed to the better dental health we see in adults today.
“While the growing number of patients retaining more of their teeth into later life is, of course, excellent news, this improvement brings its own challenges. The way that teeth are cared for will need to evolve to ensure that these challenges are met.”
A Department of Health spokesman said: "Even though there have been improvements in adults' oral health, there is more that can and should be done to tackle persistent inequalities.
"As set out in the NHS White Paper, we are committed to introducing a new dental contract to improve the quality of care and address the issue of access. We have set up a national steering group to drive this work forward, with the aim of publishing pilot proposals before the end of the year."
8 Dec 2010
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 15 November (WA 156), (a) in which sections of the York report, A Systematic Review of Water Fluoridation, can the conclusion that areas of past concern about water fluoridation no longer require investigation be found, and (b) why the National Fluoride Information Centre placed this claim within the Is it safe? section of their website if it intended to refer to past concern about fluoridation's health effectiveness. [HL4557]
7 Dec 2010 : Column WA35
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The extract from the York report to which I referred in my earlier reply was from "Section 12. Conclusions". Although York found no clear association between fluoridation and cancer or bone fractures, we are not complacent. This is why the department is committed to a programme of further research to strengthen the evidence base on fluoridation. I agree that the layout of the website could be improved and officials will be exploring with the National Fluoride Information Centre how this can best be done.
To strengthen the evidence not to examine the evidence - that tells you something.
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 15 November (WA 156), (a) in which sections of the York report, A Systematic Review of Water Fluoridation, can the conclusion that areas of past concern about water fluoridation no longer require investigation be found, and (b) why the National Fluoride Information Centre placed this claim within the Is it safe? section of their website if it intended to refer to past concern about fluoridation's health effectiveness. [HL4557]
7 Dec 2010 : Column WA35
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): The extract from the York report to which I referred in my earlier reply was from "Section 12. Conclusions". Although York found no clear association between fluoridation and cancer or bone fractures, we are not complacent. This is why the department is committed to a programme of further research to strengthen the evidence base on fluoridation. I agree that the layout of the website could be improved and officials will be exploring with the National Fluoride Information Centre how this can best be done.
To strengthen the evidence not to examine the evidence - that tells you something.
USA - Lewiston may halt fluoride treatments
Lewiston may halt fluoride treatments
LEWISTON – Sixty-three years after first deciding to add fluoride to its drinking water, the city of Lewiston could stop. The city began adding fluoride to its water in 1947 to help prevent tooth decay in children. The city spends about $9,000 for the chemical, which isn’t mandated by state or federal agencies. David Six, head of the city’s water and sewer departments, said he has no problem with eliminating its use. The City Council agreed to ask for recommendations from the Idaho Dental Association and health department at its Jan. 10 work session before making a decision.
LEWISTON – Sixty-three years after first deciding to add fluoride to its drinking water, the city of Lewiston could stop. The city began adding fluoride to its water in 1947 to help prevent tooth decay in children. The city spends about $9,000 for the chemical, which isn’t mandated by state or federal agencies. David Six, head of the city’s water and sewer departments, said he has no problem with eliminating its use. The City Council agreed to ask for recommendations from the Idaho Dental Association and health department at its Jan. 10 work session before making a decision.
7 Dec 2010
Children’s dental health a cause for concern in parts of Wales
Children’s dental health a cause for concern in parts of Wales
Children’s dental health has emerged as a cause for concern after a survey revealed that children in poorer areas of the country are experiencing oral health problems.
The Welsh Health Survey showed that there was a considerable difference between local authority areas, with children in some areas, such as Neath, experiencing much higher rates of tooth decay than children in more affluent areas of the country. Children in Neath Port Talbot have an average of 3 decayed, missing or filled teeth.
The survey showed that people living in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board area had poorer standards of general health, thanks to unhealthy lifestyle choices. People living in the area, which includes some of Wales’ poorest towns, are more likely to smoke and drink than people in other regions and only a third of people eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. The survey showed that 1 in 4 people smoke and almost half the population drink more than the recommended limit.
Hospital admissions due to drugs and alcohol are also significantly higher than other parts of Wales and incidents are particularly common in Swansea. The results of the survey also show that few people get the recommended amount of exercise and this, combined with a poor diet, contributes to obesity.
High rates of tooth decay amongst children are often attributed to a poor diet, which is high in sugary and acidic foods and drinks and a poor oral hygiene routine; often, poorer children do not visit their dentist on a regular basis.
Thankfully no mention of fluoride. Seems more of a spiritual sickness.
Children’s dental health has emerged as a cause for concern after a survey revealed that children in poorer areas of the country are experiencing oral health problems.
The Welsh Health Survey showed that there was a considerable difference between local authority areas, with children in some areas, such as Neath, experiencing much higher rates of tooth decay than children in more affluent areas of the country. Children in Neath Port Talbot have an average of 3 decayed, missing or filled teeth.
The survey showed that people living in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board area had poorer standards of general health, thanks to unhealthy lifestyle choices. People living in the area, which includes some of Wales’ poorest towns, are more likely to smoke and drink than people in other regions and only a third of people eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. The survey showed that 1 in 4 people smoke and almost half the population drink more than the recommended limit.
Hospital admissions due to drugs and alcohol are also significantly higher than other parts of Wales and incidents are particularly common in Swansea. The results of the survey also show that few people get the recommended amount of exercise and this, combined with a poor diet, contributes to obesity.
High rates of tooth decay amongst children are often attributed to a poor diet, which is high in sugary and acidic foods and drinks and a poor oral hygiene routine; often, poorer children do not visit their dentist on a regular basis.
Thankfully no mention of fluoride. Seems more of a spiritual sickness.
5 Dec 2010
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
Questions
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the statements on the website of the National Fluoride Information Centre that claim benefits to adult teeth from water fluoridation, and in the February 2008 letter about water fluoridation from the Chief Dental Officer to strategic health authorities and others (Gateway 9361), citing Griffin et al (2007) for claimed benefits to the oral health of adults, have taken account of the criticisms of the Griffin review by NHS Evidence Oral Health available at www.library.nhs.uk/oralhealth/viewResources.aspx?resID=269963.[HL4558]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We understand that the Chief Dental Officer was aware of criticisms of the Griffin report when he published the letter, but when the outcome of the judicial review of the decision made by South Central Strategic Health Authority to fluoridate Southampton is known, he will be issuing revised guidance which will take account of any new evidence on the effects of fluoridation.
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Darzi of Denham on 20 May 2009 (WA 323-4) and by Earl Howe on 23 June 2010 (WA 187-8), whether the statement on the website of the National Fluoride Information
3 Dec 2010 : Column WA495
Centre that there is "no evidence" of ill effects on general health from water fluoridation is an accurate summation.[HL4559]
Earl Howe: Yes, this observation remains accurate. There is no conclusive evidence of risks to systemic health from water fluoridated at the one part per million level used in fluoridation schemes in England.
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the statements on the website of the National Fluoride Information Centre that claim benefits to adult teeth from water fluoridation, and in the February 2008 letter about water fluoridation from the Chief Dental Officer to strategic health authorities and others (Gateway 9361), citing Griffin et al (2007) for claimed benefits to the oral health of adults, have taken account of the criticisms of the Griffin review by NHS Evidence Oral Health available at www.library.nhs.uk/oralhealth/viewResources.aspx?resID=269963.[HL4558]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe): We understand that the Chief Dental Officer was aware of criticisms of the Griffin report when he published the letter, but when the outcome of the judicial review of the decision made by South Central Strategic Health Authority to fluoridate Southampton is known, he will be issuing revised guidance which will take account of any new evidence on the effects of fluoridation.
Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Darzi of Denham on 20 May 2009 (WA 323-4) and by Earl Howe on 23 June 2010 (WA 187-8), whether the statement on the website of the National Fluoride Information
3 Dec 2010 : Column WA495
Centre that there is "no evidence" of ill effects on general health from water fluoridation is an accurate summation.[HL4559]
Earl Howe: Yes, this observation remains accurate. There is no conclusive evidence of risks to systemic health from water fluoridated at the one part per million level used in fluoridation schemes in England.
2 Dec 2010
Daily Echo - MP accuses health body over plans to introduce fluoride despite facing the axe.
Sheer Arrogance
MP accuses health body over plans to introduce fluoride despite facing the axe.
By Jon Reeve and Sam Lister
:
HEALTH bosses have been accused of "sheer arrogance" for insisting that they will press ahead with plans to fluoridate Hampshire's water supplies - despite powers being handed to local politicians.
The Government has confirmed that elected councils will decide on fluoridation once strategic health authorities are axed in 2012, in a move it hopes will make the process more democratically accountable.
But last night, South Central Strategic Health Authority said that it remains committed to moving ahead with the scheme affecting nearly 200,000 homes in and around Southampton.
A legal challenge to the plans for two-thirds of the city, as well as parts of Eastleigh, Totton, Netley and Rownhams, is due to be heard in the High Court next month, which the SHA has set aside Is. £400,000 to defend.
A victory for campaigners could instantly halt the scheme, which was approved unanimously by the SHA board members in February 2009 despite widespread public opposition.
More than 10,000 people took part in a public consultation, with 72 per cent of respondents from the affected area saying that they didn't want fluoride in their water.
But if the judge finds in favour of the health authority, it could be free to resume work on adding the chemical to water supplies. And despite it only having little over a year left before being scrapped, that is what , the SHA would do. A spokesman said: "As previously stated, further to an economic review of the business case the decision stands and the SHA intends to fluoridate the water in the area concerned, unless the court orders otherwise."
New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, left, told the Daily Echo that it would be "outrageously undemocratic" for the SHA to "impose fluoridation in its dying days". He said: "It's a pretty rum show that they're still going ahead spending a lot of public money on two days in court. If they lose then fluoridation would not happen, and if they win then it would be wholly inappropriate for them to impose it, knowing that their powers are about to be transferred to bodies who are likely to take a different course.
"It would be sheer arrogance if they are bent on an ideological mission to ride roughshod over public opinion in a desperate last-minute bid to leave this as their legacy, when they have no mandate to do so." Confirming the changes, Tory Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that unlike SHAs, councils are accountable to voters, but they would still have to consult residents, although their views would not be binding.
Fluoride: Where are we now
THE future of fluoridation in Hampshire rests in the hands of a High Court judge, who will next month consider whether health bosses should have paid more attention to public opinion.
South Central SHA's board voted unanimously to approve fluoridating Southampton's water supplies, but the scheme has been on hold since the judicial review bid was lodged four months later.
The judge will look at whether the SHA examined all available evidence fully, as well as whether it should have listened to residents' views. I
All MPs in the area have either said that they do not agree with fluoridation, or called on the SHA to put its plans on hold because of public opposition.
Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham, New Forest and Test Valley councils all passed motions disagreeing with adding the chemical to tap water supplies.
Southampton City Council voted in favour of the plans, but councillors have since .called for a binding referendum to be held before fluoride could be added to the water.
MP accuses health body over plans to introduce fluoride despite facing the axe.
By Jon Reeve and Sam Lister
:
HEALTH bosses have been accused of "sheer arrogance" for insisting that they will press ahead with plans to fluoridate Hampshire's water supplies - despite powers being handed to local politicians.
The Government has confirmed that elected councils will decide on fluoridation once strategic health authorities are axed in 2012, in a move it hopes will make the process more democratically accountable.
But last night, South Central Strategic Health Authority said that it remains committed to moving ahead with the scheme affecting nearly 200,000 homes in and around Southampton.
A legal challenge to the plans for two-thirds of the city, as well as parts of Eastleigh, Totton, Netley and Rownhams, is due to be heard in the High Court next month, which the SHA has set aside Is. £400,000 to defend.
A victory for campaigners could instantly halt the scheme, which was approved unanimously by the SHA board members in February 2009 despite widespread public opposition.
More than 10,000 people took part in a public consultation, with 72 per cent of respondents from the affected area saying that they didn't want fluoride in their water.
But if the judge finds in favour of the health authority, it could be free to resume work on adding the chemical to water supplies. And despite it only having little over a year left before being scrapped, that is what , the SHA would do. A spokesman said: "As previously stated, further to an economic review of the business case the decision stands and the SHA intends to fluoridate the water in the area concerned, unless the court orders otherwise."
New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, left, told the Daily Echo that it would be "outrageously undemocratic" for the SHA to "impose fluoridation in its dying days". He said: "It's a pretty rum show that they're still going ahead spending a lot of public money on two days in court. If they lose then fluoridation would not happen, and if they win then it would be wholly inappropriate for them to impose it, knowing that their powers are about to be transferred to bodies who are likely to take a different course.
"It would be sheer arrogance if they are bent on an ideological mission to ride roughshod over public opinion in a desperate last-minute bid to leave this as their legacy, when they have no mandate to do so." Confirming the changes, Tory Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that unlike SHAs, councils are accountable to voters, but they would still have to consult residents, although their views would not be binding.
Fluoride: Where are we now
THE future of fluoridation in Hampshire rests in the hands of a High Court judge, who will next month consider whether health bosses should have paid more attention to public opinion.
South Central SHA's board voted unanimously to approve fluoridating Southampton's water supplies, but the scheme has been on hold since the judicial review bid was lodged four months later.
The judge will look at whether the SHA examined all available evidence fully, as well as whether it should have listened to residents' views. I
All MPs in the area have either said that they do not agree with fluoridation, or called on the SHA to put its plans on hold because of public opposition.
Hampshire, Eastleigh, Fareham, New Forest and Test Valley councils all passed motions disagreeing with adding the chemical to tap water supplies.
Southampton City Council voted in favour of the plans, but councillors have since .called for a binding referendum to be held before fluoride could be added to the water.
1 Dec 2010
The responsibility will be transferred to local authorities
Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Given the commitment to popular choice, can my right hon. Friend confirm that when responsibility for putting fluoride into drinking water is taken away from strategic health authorities, the people who have the final say on the matter will be the people who drink the water?
Mr Lansley: The responsibility will be transferred to local authorities, and they will have the same obligation to consult their population as exists in the present legislation. In my view, local authorities are more accountable to the population that they serve than strategic health authorities have been in the past.
Mr Lansley: The responsibility will be transferred to local authorities, and they will have the same obligation to consult their population as exists in the present legislation. In my view, local authorities are more accountable to the population that they serve than strategic health authorities have been in the past.
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