Fluoridated water a step closer

Many children have tooth decay by the age of five

Thousands more homes in Cumbria could have fluoride added to their tap water to tackle the problem of tooth decay.

Currently 130,000 homes in the west of the county have fluoridated water and health chiefs are considering including Kendal, Carlisle, Penrith and Barrow.

Primary Care Trust bosses said 47% of children in the county suffered from tooth decay by the age of five.

They have asked the Strategic Health Authority to draw up plans which would be subject to a public consultation.

Those against fluoridation claim it can have a detrimental effect on the body and that it does not fight decay.

But Dr John Ashton, Cumbria's director of public health, said: "The vast majority of doctors and dentists in the UK endorse the fluoridation of drinking water as a safe way to improve dental health.

"Fluoridation schemes adjust the amount to the optimum level for protecting teeth."