Tooth decay among primary schoolchildren in Queensland has declined significantly since the state expanded water fluoridation, according to a new study.
The research comes amid renewed debate over water fluoridation, after two local councils voted in the past year to remove it from their drinking water supplies.
Researchers examined the teeth of nearly 8,000 students aged five to 14 years from randomly selected public and private schools across Queensland between 2021 and 2024. The study aimed to assess the dental health benefits of fluoride exposure.
The findings revealed that 38.8 per cent of children aged five to 10 had decay in their baby teeth. This marks a substantial drop from 49.5 per cent recorded in a 2010–12 study, conducted during the rollout of water fluoridation under the 2008 Bligh government mandate.
The Politics of Fluoride
Water fluoridation in Queensland has long been a political issue. In 2012, then-Premier Campbell Newman scrapped the statewide mandate, allowing local councils to decide whether to continue adding fluoride to drinking water.
Since then, several councils have opted out. Gympie Regional Council recently voted to remove fluoride, following Cook Shire Council in the state’s Far North, which ended fluoridation in February.
Currently, more than 70 per cent of Queenslanders still have access to fluoridated water, including most residents in the heavily populated south-east. However, the majority of the state’s 77 local governments no longer add the mineral to their supply.
Clear Benefits for Children
The Queensland Child Oral Health Study, conducted from 2021 to 2024, found that the average number of tooth surfaces affected by decay in children aged five to 10 fell to 2.9, down from 4.1 a decade ago. This represents a 24 per cent reduction.
Lead researcher Professor Loc Do, from the University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry, said the improvements were most pronounced in areas where water fluoridation had recently been introduced.
“Even after accounting for socio-economic factors and health behaviours, the benefit of water fluoridation remains clear,” Professor Do said. “It also continues to protect older children with adult teeth.”
Professor Do described it as “devastating” that some local councils continue to remove fluoride. He stressed the safety and effectiveness of the practice.
“Children with poor oral health early in life are more likely to experience dental problems as adults,” he said. “Tooth decay can affect eating, social interactions, and overall quality of life.”
Queensland Chief Dentist Dr. Ben Stute did not comment on government policy but noted the study provides strong evidence supporting water fluoridation.
“This study is highly representative of Queensland and conducted to a very high standard,” Dr. Stute said. “Its large sample size allows us to evaluate different areas, so the evidence can be highly relevant for councils.”
Professor Do presented the study’s findings on Tuesday at a Brisbane workshop, where researchers and policymakers discussed strategies to improve dental health among children across the state.