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Public health boss backs adding fluoride to water

Victoria WaltonOxfordshire political reporter
Getty Images A little girl is standing by a sink with a woman standing next to her. They are brushing each other's teeth. Getty Images
Fluoridation already occurs in areas of the West Midlands, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Oxfordshire's director of public health has supported calls to add fluoride into the county's drinking water, describing it as "the single most effective measure to reduce tooth decay in children".

Speaking at a health scrutiny committee meeting, Ansaf Azhar said there are good examples of the benefits of fluoridation in the UK and Europe.

But warned the barriers to progressing the idea meant it would take a decade to implement.

The committee has now recommended a public consultation on the suggestion, before approaching the government to start any process.

Ansaf Azhar outside the council headquarters. He has short greying black hair, wears glasses, a grey suit, a light blue shirt and a dark blue tie.
Ansaf Azhar says fluoridation of Oxfordshire's water supply would be the most effective way to protect children's teeth.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which can protect teeth against decay.

Parts of the UK, including areas of the West Midlands, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire already have a programme that adds small amounts of fluoride into the water network.

But the process of adopting the scheme can take years, with a newly approved plan to expand an existing network in the north east, estimated to only be up and running by 2030.

Despite the delays, Azhar says fluoridation in Oxfordshire is a "no brainer" and something he "absolutely wants to progress."

Describing the process as "completely safe," Azhar added that the benefits were not just about reducing tooth decay, but could be life changing, by improving body positivity and mental health.

The health committee has asked the director of public health to report back to them, outlining the potential costs and benefits of progressing a fluoridation scheme in Oxfordshire.

Any scheme would need the backing of Thames Water, as well as agreements with bordering counties.