07 MAR 2025

Today, the Government has announced the largest expansion of water fluoridation in England since the 1980s, aiming to reach an additional 1.6 million people across the North East.

The initiative is designed to tackle tooth decay, particularly in deprived areas where dental health inequalities are most pronounced.

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been shown to reduce tooth decay, and fluoridation schemes have been in place in parts of England since the 1960s. Currently, around 10% of England’s population receives fluoridated water, mainly in the West Midlands and the North East.

Following a public consultation, the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the expansion would cover areas including Darlington, Durham, Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough. The move is backed by decades of evidence showing that fluoridation is a safe and effective public health measure. However, a recent review suggested that the benefits of water fluoridation have declined since fluoride toothpaste became widely available, though it remains an important tool in preventing tooth decay.

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, says: "We wholeheartedly welcome the Government’s decision to expand water fluoridation in the North East - this is a landmark moment for public health. Fluoridation is one of the most effective, evidence-based measures we have to reduce tooth decay, particularly in children and communities most at risk. This expansion will mean fewer children suffering from unnecessary pain, fewer hospital admissions for dental extractions, and a significant reduction in the inequalities that persist in oral health.

"Water fluoridation has been proven safe and effective for decades, benefiting millions worldwide. It works alongside other vital measures, including supervised toothbrushing and access to NHS dentistry, to build a healthier future for all. This investment in prevention will pay dividends for generations to come.

"We now urge the Government to go further and identify other areas of the UK that would benefit from water fluoridation. By expanding this programme beyond the North East, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact on oral health across the country, ensuring that no community is left behind in the fight against tooth decay."

The announcement comes as the Government rolls out a supervised toothbrushing scheme in the most deprived parts of England, reinforcing a wider commitment to improving children's oral health.

Oral Health Foundation joins the British Dental Association and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry welcoming the expansion but also stress the need for broader and faster action to address the crisis in NHS dentistry and ensure long-term oral health improvements.

More information

• Fluoride