Dr Ian Rigby argues against 'mass medication' approach
A dentist on the Isle of Man has told an audience in Douglas why he believes government should not fluoridate the Island's water supply.
Public Health Isle of Man has been tasked with compiling a research paper into fluoridation as a method of reducing levels of tooth decay in children.
The issue has been back on the agenda following a report into tooth decay among children on the Isle of Man by the Social Affairs Policy Review Committee.
The committee originally recommended a twice-yearly fluoride varnish be offered to children, but Tynwald instead backed the Department of Health and Social Care's amendment to look into fluoridation instead.
At a public meeting in Promenade Methodist Church last night, Dr Ian Rigby gave a presentation setting out why he believes other methods should be considered, claiming there are more negative effects than positive with fluoridation.
Manx Radio asked Dr Rigby what he would propose instead:
Fluoridation is a method used to help prevent tooth decay, particularly in deprived areas, by increasing the fluoride levels within a water supply - to a level which often occurs naturally in other parts.
Public Health Isle of Man says 17 per cent of five-year-old children on the Island have dental decay - one of the main causes of hospital admission.
A team has been compiling a report looking at 'new research' on fluoridation for the Council of Ministers to consider this month – the report will then be placed on the Tynwald Register of Business ahead of February’s sitting.
Dr Rigby claims there are some studies which show fluoridated water can impact on IQ levels.
The NHS says: "There have been some concerns that fluoride may be linked to a variety of health conditions. Reviews of the risks have so far found no convincing evidence to support these concerns."
"However, a condition called dental fluorosis can sometimes occur if a child's teeth are exposed to too much fluoride when they're developing."
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