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Queensland Study: Fluoridation Cuts Children's Tooth Decay by 11.2%

10/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Queensland study found water fluoridation reduced children's tooth decay from about 50% to 38.8%, with the largest gains in fluoridated areas, based on 7,718 students.
Despite the reduction, only 16 of 77 local government areas still add fluoride.
Queensland's chief dental officer says the study supports fluoridation's effectiveness.
The health minister says councils should decide on fluoridation based on community needs.

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Story summary

A Queensland study found water fluoridation reduced children's tooth decay from about 50% to 38.8%, with the largest gains in fluoridated areas, based on 7,718 students.
Despite the reduction, only 16 of 77 local government areas still add fluoride.
Queensland's chief dental officer says the study supports fluoridation's effectiveness.
The health minister says councils should decide on fluoridation based on community needs.