Water fluoridation not enough to shrink dental health inequalities, study finds

Researchers say ministers need to act to bridge the gap in teeth health between wealthy and deprived communities. Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA

Water fluoridation provides a modest benefit for children’s teeth in an era of fluoride toothpastes, but does not shrink inequalities in dental health between rich and poor communities, research has revealed.

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been added to drinking water for decades in areas where natural levels are low in a bid to tackle tooth decay.