Water fluoridation expansion set to benefit millions

The initiative is designed to tackle tooth decay, particularly in deprived areas where dental health inequalities are most pronounced.

Fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay, and fluoridation schemes have been in place in parts of England since the 1960s. Currently, around 10 per cent of England’s population receives fluoridated water, mainly in the West Midlands and the northeast.

Following a public consultation, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed the expansion would cover areas including Darlington, Durham, Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough. The move is backed by decades of evidence showing that fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure. However, a recent review suggested that the benefits of water fluoridation have declined since fluoride toothpaste became widely available, though it remains an important tool in preventing tooth decay.