Science News Archive

Water Fluoridation Gets The Go-ahead

Water fluoridation got the go-ahead this week after members of the house of commons voted in favour of a motion enabling health authorities to force water companies top add fluoride to drinking water. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel reducing your chances of developing tooth decay and needing fillings. Tooth enamel is made of a hard substance called hydroxyapatite which is a form of calcium phosphate. When fluoride is added to drinking water it bonds to the enamel forming a new chemical called fluoro-apatite which is much harder and more resistant to the acid attack launched by bacteria which live in the mouth. One downside of fluoride is that it can change the colour of your teeth and make them a darker colour.

16th Nov 2003