Who is at risk of getting dental decay? Good dental health is partly inherited and partly the result of lifestyle.
Some children are born with stronger teeth that are less prone to decay. But diet, regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and drinking fluoridated water are major factors in determining whether children have good teeth.
Fluoride
Regardless of ethnicity or wealth, living in areas where the water is fluoridated decreases your risk of dental decay throughout your life. The New Zealand Dental Association actively promotes the addition of fluoride to water supplies as a proven method of preventing cavities.
Despite this, fluoride remains controversial because of claims that it can cause cancer and osteoporosis, particularly if it's in the water supply. The Ministry of Health rejects these claims. It says that despite extensive international research there is no evidence of a link between fluoride in the water supply (at the levels set in New Zealand) and bone or other cancer, or any increased risk of osteoporosis.
The Ministry says putting fluoride in drinking water is the most effective and efficient way to prevent dental decay.
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