OUTRAM mother of two Jolene Casey admits to “sitting on the fence” when it comes to the fluoride debate.

Mrs Casey lives in a non-fluoridated water area, but having lived in Outram all her life she knows no different.

After reading the pros and cons of the fluoride debate (page 9), she still did not change her opinion, although she agreed with issues Public Health South senior dentist Dr Dorothy Boyd raised regarding fluoridated drinking water “as the best means available to get fluoride on to the teeth of as many people as possible”.

“I believe that many children are not getting the fluoride any other way, as teeth brushing and healthy diet is not a priority in some households,” Mrs Casey said.

“It [reading about the pros and cons] didn’t change my opinion, but perhaps made me a little more aware of the negative impacts, of which I didn’t realise . . . but do you believe everything you read?” Mrs Casey said.

Mrs Casey ensures her children regularly brush with a fluoridated toothpaste morning and night.

“I think education is the key, ensuring that all people are aware of both sides of the debate, allowing them to make their own informed decisions about fluoridation.”

CAPTION UNDER PHOTO:
Brothers Nick (2, left) and Liam Casey (3), of Outram, live in an area that has non-fluoridated water, so they get their fluoride intake from toothpaste.