Photo: Very mild to severe dental fluorisisYesterdays Written Answers from Hansard: David Drew MP (Stroud, Labour): To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research her Department is undertaking into the impact of fluoride intake upon infants.
Rosie Winterton Rosie Winterton (Minister of State (Health Services), Department of Health):
"Research evidence shows, that apart from the benefits to oral health, the only effect of adding fluoride to drinking water to a level of one part per million is on the incidence of dental fluorosis. Since this effect occurs when the permanent dentition is developing in infancy, it has been suggested that babies fed on infant formula, which has been made up with fluoridated water, may be at risk. The most common manifestation of dental fluorosis is a white flecking of the teeth. However, the affected teeth still enjoy the same protection from decay that fluoridation offers. The evidence to date shows that only a very small minority of people are concerned by the cosmetic effects of dental fluorosis, but we are considering the commissioning of further research in this area."It seems to me a letter or several to Ms Winterton is in order. See here for more info re dental fluorosis and here for more re infant formulas.
