Abstract
A new interactive online tool allows New Zealanders to check whether their drinking water supply is fluoridated and view the past fluoride concentration of their supply based on monitoring data from public water supplies.
The launch coincides with the publication of an analysis of tooth decay rates in over 630,000 preschool-aged children in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), which confirms lower rates of tooth decay associated with community water fluoridation. The findings provide contemporary evidence that fluoridation remains an effective public health intervention (despite likely dilution of its effects due to widespread use of fluoride toothpaste and improvements in dental care) and highlight the importance of ensuring equitable access to fluoridated drinking water and maintaining fluoridation systems at recommended fluoride levels.