| Monday, 19 June 2006
FLUORIDATED WATER SUPPLY TO BENEFIT DENTAL HEALTH
The residents of Morwell will benefit from a fluoridated drinking water supply from late June, Acting Chief Health Officer Dr John Carnie announced today.
“The fluoridation of Morwell’s drinking water supply by Gippsland Water will be followed by water supplies in Warragul, Moe, Sale and Traralgon from mid-July through to September,” Dr Carnie said.
“Other residents in Gippsland who will benefit are connected to these water supply systems in Churchill, Newborough, Trafalgar, Traralgon South, Hazelwood North, Yallourn North, Yarragon, Yinnar, Buln Buln, Rokeby, Darnum and Nilma.
“Work is also underway to fluoridate drinking water supplies in Horsham, Wodonga and Wangaratta in the coming months,” Dr Carnie said.
“The fluoridation of these water supplies is one of a number of measures being taken to improve the oral health of Victorians. The Government has committed $97.2 million over four years to reduce waiting lists and improve access for children and the disadvantaged to dental services.
“As well as increasing the number of dentists, the number of dental chairs and expanding the range of services $3.8 million has been committed to extend water fluoridation.
“The benefits of fluoridation are illustrated by the fact that six-year-old children living in fluoridated areas of Victoria have up to 45 per cent less tooth decay than those in non-fluoridated areas,” Dr Carnie said.
There has been demonstrated support for fluoridation from local health services including West Gippsland Health Care Group, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Latrobe Community Health Service and Central Gippsland Health Service. The Central West Gippsland and East Gippsland Divisions of General Practice also support fluoridation.
“Tooth decay is a disease which affects both children and adults, and can cause considerable pain and suffering. When severe, tooth decay can affect appearance, self-esteem and social interaction and it can also make it difficult to speak and chew.
“Water fluoridation helps protect teeth against decay, and is the most effective way of allowing everybody access to the benefits of fluoride.
Information is available to Victorians through their dentist, other health professionals, water authorities or directly from the Department via the website or on a special information line by ringing 1800 651 723.
Households will receive a letter from Gippsland Water before the drinking water is fluoridated along with an information leaflet from the Chief Health Officer, Dr Robert Hall.
Media inquiries:
Bram Alexander, Human Services Media Unit, (03) 9096 8803, mobile 0412 260 811
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