Completion of works gives Denmark residents fluoride in their drinking water ‘to promote good oral health’

Residents in Denmark now have fluoride in their drinking water after work was completed at the Great Southern town’s water treatment plant. WA’s Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said adding fluoride to the town’s water supply was an important way of promoting good oral health. “Fluoride is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay,” he said. “This simple public health measure benefits everyone — children, adults and older people alike. “Poor oral health does not just affect your teeth — it impacts your ability to sleep, eat, and speak, and it’s linked to a range of medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis.” Denmark has received fluoride-treated water when its drinking water has been supplemented by pipeline from Albany, but this has been occasional and over short periods. The drinking water in Albany and Mt Barker has been fluoridated for many decades. The addition of fluoride only applies to water supplied by Water Corporation and does not extend to rural residential properties not connected to its network. The Denmark project has been part of a rollout across the South West of WA. About 94 per cent of WA’s population has access to fluoridated drinking water, according to the Department of Health.