From May residents of Kerang will benefit from a fluoridated drinking water supply, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr John Carnie, announced today.
“Water fluoridation at one part per million helps protect teeth against decay and is the safest way of allowing everyone access to the benefits of fluoride,” Dr Carnie said.
“In particular, children who live in fluoridated areas of Victoria experience considerably less decay than those in non-fluoridated areas.
“The Victorian Government is committed to improving the oral health of all Victorians. Water fluoridation is an important of this commitment. Following the commissioning process for the new fluoridation plant in Kerang the amount of fluoride will gradually increase up to the optimal level as the system is brought into operation,” he said.
Dr Carnie said fluoride benefits people of all ages by reducing dental decay.
“In Australia children in non-fluoridated areas experience more dental decay than children in fluoridated areas. In Victoria children are two times more likely in non-fluoridated areas to require hospitalisation for treatment of dental decay under general anaesthesia than children in fluoridated areas.
“An important step in the introduction of water fluoridation to Kerang was to ensure the community had access to balanced, evidence-based information and the opportunity to ask questions.
“Detailed information has been provided to Lower Murray Water’s customers about the benefits of water fluoridation.
“Residents have been able to seek further information from their dentist, GP, pharmacist and maternal and child health nurse,” Dr Carnie said.
Information can also be obtained by calling the toll free information line on 1800 651 723 or by visiting www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/fluoridation
The introduction of water fluoridation to Kerang’s drinking water is supported by local health services and community organisations including the Kerang District Health Service, Southern Mallee Primary Care Partnership, Murray-Plains Division of General Practice and the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo.
“Tooth decay is a disease which affects both children and adults, and can cause considerable pain and suffering. When severe, tooth decay can affect appearance, self-esteem and social interaction and it can also make it difficult to speak and chew.
“Water fluoridation helps protect teeth against decay, and is the most effective way of allowing everybody access to the benefits of fluoride,” Dr Carnie said.