NHMRC Statement on Water Fluoridation
9 November 2017
 
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has today released a public statement on water fluoridation and human health in Australia. The 2017 Public Statement is based on a comprehensive review of the evidence, published in 2016. Extracts are below.
 
“NHMRC strongly recommends community water fluoridation as a safe, effective and ethical way to help reduce tooth decay across the population. NHMRC supports Australian states and territories fluoridating their drinking water supplies within the range of 0.6 to 1.1 milligrams per litre (mg/La).
 
There is reliable evidence that community water fluoridation helps to prevent tooth decay. The consequences of tooth decay are considerable: dental pain, concern about appearance, costs due to time off school and work, and costs of dental treatment. There is no reliable evidence of an association between community water fluoridation at current Australian levels and any health problems.
 
The conclusion reached by NHMRC is that the existing body of evidence consistently shows that water fluoridation safely and effectively reduces tooth decay across the population at the current Australian levels.”
 
Read the full NHMRC Statement >
Read ADA NSW’s position statement on water fluoridation >
Download ADA NSW Fact Sheet on water fluoridation >