HC Deb 02 July 2003 vol 408 cc347-8W
Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the potential toxic effect on the food chain of fluoride. [120801]

Miss Melanie Johnson

The independent Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) is currently considering the public heath implications of dietary fluoride intakes measured in the 1997 Total Diet Study. The COT is expected to complete its deliberations later this year and its conclusions will then be published.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the cost of the fluoridation of water supplies; what the estimated cost of dental fluorosis is to the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [114703]

Miss Melanie Johnson

We estimate that running costs of fluoridation schemes, which are borne by health authorities, are of the order of 40 pence per head of population per year. It has been shown that fluoridation reduces dental decay by 15 per cent. Dental fluorosis is a mottling of the teeth which may occur in a small minority of cases and which can often be removed by routine dental treatment. Information on the costs to the national health service of treating dental fluorosis is not held centrally.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are given to dentists regarding fluoride mouthwashes. [121427]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Decisions on the prescription of fluoride mouthwashes are left to dentists' clinical judgement.

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