I HOPE that the Director of Public Health for NHS East Lancashire, Dr Ellis Friedman, who has backed the adding of fluoride to the region’s tap water, to improve dental health, stating that it is unethical to withhold dental treatment for deprived people, takes note of the arguments that P.Cooper put forward in ‘Your Letters’ of December 1, 2008.

He referred to contravening the legal and ethical principle of obtaining valid consent before treatment. I am glad that Hyndburn Council is opposed to adding fluoride to tap water.

Any benefits gained by strengthening teeth against decay, are lost by the formation of unsightly, glowing blemishes, which often develop in people’s teeth where fluoride has been added to the tap water.

A better solution to the problem of poor dental health would be to put more time and money into educating children about the detrimental effect of consuming too many sugary foods and drinks has on dental health.

Irene Robb, Church Street, Church, Accrington.