An evaluation of a water fluoridation scheme in Cumbria-Topical Effect
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of a water fluoridation scheme in Cumbria: population based comparative cohort studies of topical fluoride exposure alone
IRAS ID
131824
Contact name
Iain Pretty
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Research summary
Summary of Research
Tooth decay is the commonest disease of childhood. We have known for over 90 years that fluoride can prevent tooth decay. Water fluoridation has a 70-year history. Unfortunately the scientific evidence to tell us how well water fluoridation works and how cost effective it is in the current climate of falling decay levels is lacking. We have a unique opportunity to study the impact of water fluoridation in West Cumbria, as a new plant will come on line in May 2013. This project aims to provide strong evidence of the effects and costs of a ‘new’ water fluoridation scheme on young children. Water fluoridation works in two ways: Systemic (from birth) - built into the teeth strengthening them as they develop. Topical - strengthening the surface of the teeth after they have erupted in the mouth. The study design aims to assess the topical effects of water fluoridation by recruiting groups of children and following them over 6 years. We will recruit all children in their first school year in 2013 and examine their teeth at aged 5, 7 and 11-years-old. This will enable us to assess the topical effects alone of fluoridation on the permanent (adult) teeth.
Our main outcome measure will be to compare the number of children who develop any tooth decay in fluoridated and non-fluoridated area.Summary of Results
We can't publish these yet given the sensitive nature of results they are still going through peer review with the funder and journal
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0494
Date of REC Opinion
2 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion