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module menu icon Achieving healthy fluoride levels

Fluoride is necessary to prevent tooth decay. It converts hydroxyapatite, present naturally in tooth enamel, into fluorapatite, which protects teeth from breakdown by lactic acid-producing bacteria.

Fluoride must be obtained by some means to prevent decay and keep teeth healthy.

Water fluoridation

Fluoride is present naturally in drinking water; the accepted level to reduce tooth decay is 1mg/litre.

But levels are not this high in many areas of the UK and water fluoridation schemes operate in some regions, including parts of the West Midlands, the North-East, the East Midlands, Eastern England, the North-West and Yorkshire and Humber.

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