Fluoridation In Waimairi

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30259, 11 October 1963, Page 3

Fluoridation In Waimairi

Sir,—My children have strictly observed the suggestions offered by toe School Dental Service and Division of Dental Health, and they have been complimented on the condition of their teeth. The suggestions are as follows:—(1) Hard food requiring mastication in preference to soft food. (2) Wholemeal bread in preference to white. (3) Vegetables, both green and root (frequently raw). A piece of apple or other fruit to finish each meal. (4) Milk to drink each day. (5) Sweets, sweet biscuits, and cake reduced to a minimum. (6) Three meals a day with no “pieces” in between. (7) The regular use of the toothbrush immediately after meads and just before bed. The leaflet adds: “If these suggestions are faithfully carried out, a minimum of dental treatment will be necessary in future, and definite benefit to the general health and physique will result. Your co-operation is essential. Why is there no mention of fluoride in this pamphlet?—Yours, etc., JOHN FORSTER.

October 4, 1963. [Mr R. B. Nevin, Principal Dental Officer of the Department of Health, replies: “The pamphlet covers matters which are easily regulated by the parents and children and which are definitely beneficial to dental health. This department has long publically advocated the value of fluoride for dental health, and especially in the most beneficial form, fluoridation of water supplies. The implementation of this measure Is, however, impracticable for toe individual family, and so it would be out of place to discuss it in such a pamphlet”]

Sir, —By his persistent sarcasm, which some call the wit of a fool, J. Dugdale is nullifying the attributes previously credited him. Surely these concessions were made in reason rather than charity? How can he, or anyone, possibly state that fluorine derivatives are not toe unknown—repeat, unknown—causes of some diseases in some individuals? Present evidence may say so but data change with later discoveries. Much geological information is most uncertain—e.g., the actual formation of the southern hemispherical continents has recently been questioned. J. Dugdale should beware of making categorical assertions in this field. No comment on tablets? J. Dugdale falsely interprets many of my remarks. Like toe late Mr Coleman, chemical companies will sell much more fluoride compounds for ultimate waste; that is all I meant.— Yours, etc., D. BROWN. October 10, 1963.

Sir, —“Democratic Way Of Life” wishes to put toe fluoridation question to the vote Is the Waimairi Council to have some functional value or merely be a collection of figureheads? Again, would toe referendum prove anything beyond toe fact that the majority of voters lacked sufficient knowledge to give

an objective view? Mass hysteria will invoke cerebral diseases, heart attacks, diabetes, etc., to obscure any benefits from fluoridation We have seen the beginnings in some of the correspondents’ letters Fluoridation only benefits children under 12 years. Children are therefore dependent on their

parents for dental health—®t present It is very well to be idealistic and talk of correct diets and taking fluorine tablets regularly but imflnmfagwfrMy human beings are not perfect Isn’t H better to be practical? The only practical means for a child to have fluorine is through the waiter supply—even if 99 per cent of the waiter is wasted.—Yours, etc., CUT OUT THE CACKLE. October 10, 1963. Sir,—J. Dugdale is certainly adept at following the reasoning of other men's minds. He is even more adept at putting words into other men's mouths. His latest exaggerated effort must be causing D. Brown and “Such As He” a great deal of amusement. Who among us has said, “I hate fluoridation”? We oppose; we do not haite. The nearest approach to hate that I have observed in all this lengthy correspondence is that shown in the scorn of J. Dugdale for his adversaries. I hope for our sakes he never appears in a position of power over us forI have no doubt he would like to “tar and feather” all such as we.—Yours, etc., WHITHER? October 9, 1963.