Fluoridation to Deliver Better Oral Health for Queenslanders.

Premier Anna Bligh and Health Minister Stephen Robertson announced yesterday the Government would move to include fluoride in Queensland water supplies within two years.

“Queenslanders have the worst teeth in the country - for example, our 5-12 year olds have twice the tooth decay compared to kids living in the ACT, which has had 100% fluoridation for more than 40 years.” Premier Bligh said.

“Together with oral hygiene and good nutrition, fluoridation has been proven to reduce tooth decay by up to 40 percent, and a Smart State cannot ignore the extensive scientific evidence that shows fluoridation is the missing link in Queenslands oral health system.”

The program is expected to consume around $35 million. Of cause a nominal increases in water rates will be pushed to the consumer to cover ongoing operational costs.

Governement estimates put the increase at around $1.50 per person per year.  This is of cause being touted as a drescrease in overall household expenses when a reduction in dental bills are factored.

Visit www.health.qld.gov.au/fluoride for more information.