Fluoride tablets no longer necessary in South East Queensland

Queensland Health today advised parents their children would no longer need fluoride tablets with the introduction of water fluoridation in south east Queensland over the next four weeks.

Health Minister Stephen Robertson and Queensland Health Acting Chief Dental Officer Dr Ralph Neller said as water was progressively fluoridated in their area, parents no longer needed to provide these supplements, and should cease the practice.

Mr Robertson said water fluoridation would benefit the whole community, including the elderly.

“People of all ages who still have natural teeth will benefit from having access to fluoridated water as fluoride immediately acts to strengthen the outer surface of the teeth, making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay,” Mr Robertson said.

“Fluoridation of the water supply as a public health initiative is supported by the World Health Organisation, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Public Health Association of Australia, the Australian Medical Association, the Australian Dental Association, and many, many more.

“Queensland is the last state in Australia to fluoridate its water supply and has been waiting for 30 years for this proven public health initiative,” Mr Robertson said.

Water fluoridation will be phased into water treatment plants in the following local government areas:

2008: SEQ major water treatment plants - Mt Crosby (2 plants), Landers Shute, Molendinar, Mudgeeraba and North Pine.

2009: SEQ minor water treatment plants, Indigenous communities, commencement of Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton and Toowoomba Regional.

2010: Completion of Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton; Fraser, Gympie, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, commencement of Dalby.

2011: Blackall, Emerald, Dalby completion, Goondiwindi, Hinchinbrook, Longreach, Mornington, Mt Isa, Murweh, North Burnett, Rio Tinto (Weipa), Tablelands, Whitsunday.

2012: Balonne, Banana, Barcaldine, Bundaberg, Burdekin, Carpentaria, Charters Towers, Cassowary, Cloncurry, Flinders, Isaac, Roma, Toowoomba Regional completion.

ENDS.

MEDIA: Chief Dental Officer: 0448 946 233/ Minister’s Office: 0458 449 267