Key Points
- The World Heath Orgainisation states that “Community water fluoridation is safe and cost-effective and should be introduced and maintained where ever is it socially acceptable and feasible” (1)
- Studies suggest that, in terms of cost, effect and the certainty of that effect, the most cost-effective policy for reducing tooth decay is fluoridation of water supplies.
- The higher the incidence of tooth decay before fluoridation starts and the larger the population to be served, the greater the economic benefits are likely to be.
- In the parts of the UK where tooth decay remains a significant public heath problem, patients and the NHS economy would benefit hugely from water fluoridation.
One in a Million
Our One in a Million online database includes a comprehensive section on the cost-effectiveness of fluoridation.
Summary of Data Published Post 2012/2013
- New studies in New Zealand (Moore and Poynton, 2015) and the US (Ran et al 2016; Meyer et al 2018) provide further evidence of the value for money provided by community water fluoridation.
- However, given the variation in prices from country to country, one must be cautious in generalising these data to the UK.
- The study commissioned by the South-Central Strategic Health Authority in 2008 probably remains the most applicable to the UK.
MAL/17.05.20