Petition · past parliament
Introduce mandatory fluoridation of the water supply to prevent tooth decay
Closed
934 signatures
What the petition asks
Tooth decay is almost entirely preventable, but is the most common reason why children aged 5 to 9 require hospital admission. Water fluoridation is an effective public health measure proven to reduce tooth decay. Centrally funded and mandated water fluoridation is needed to protect our oral health.
PHE recommends fluoridation, but cannot enforce it. It's within the remit of local authorities, many of which do not have funds to implement it. 31 to 41% of 5-year-old children have evidence of tooth decay, with higher rates in deprived populations.
PHE research reveals:
- 15% fewer 5-year-olds with tooth decay in fluoridated areas, rising to 28% when deprivation is considered
- 45% fewer hospital admissions of children aged 1 to 4 for tooth decay in fluoridated areas
PHE research reveals:
- 15% fewer 5-year-olds with tooth decay in fluoridated areas, rising to 28% when deprivation is considered
- 45% fewer hospital admissions of children aged 1 to 4 for tooth decay in fluoridated areas
Timeline
| 4 Jan 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 4 Jul 2018 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
934
Status
Closed
Opened
4 Jan 2018
Closed
4 Jul 2018
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.