Although the effect of fluoride on children's teeth might be a matter for "dental experts", those experts are totally out of order when advocating fluoridation of water supplies.

We are not then talking about treating children's teeth but treating the whole population, whether or not they want such treatment.

If my dentist were to force fluoride down my throat against my wishes, I could sue him for assault. Why then should it be acceptable for dentists (or anyone else) to force fluoride down the throats of other people who do not want it?

It is the use of public water supplies for conveying a medication to the entire population, irrespective of their needs and wishes - namely "compulsory mass medication"

- which is why it should not be introduced.

Anyway, how can you possibly control the amount of fluoride consumed, when you cannot control the amount of water people drink?

The cause of dental decay is not the absence of fluoride - it is the consumption of too many refined carbohydrates and bad diets. Let those who want it, have it - but don't force us to take it!

  • John Eaton, Cottingley Wood, Bingley, West Yorkshire