The Denmark community now has access to fluoridated drinking water, improving protection against tooth decay and supporting the long-term health and wellbeing of residents in Western Australia's Great Southern.
The Department of Health has confirmed the completion of fluoridation works at Denmark's water treatment plant, delivered in partnership with Water Corporation.
WA's Chief Health Officer, Dr Andrew Robertson, said adding fluoride to the town's water supply was an important step in promoting good oral health for all ages.
"Fluoride is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. This simple public health measure benefits everyone – children, adults and older people alike," Dr Robertson said.
"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," Dr Robertson said.
Dr Robertson said the move builds on the successful rollout of water fluoridation across the South West in Bunbury, Dalyellup, Eaton, Australind, Capel and Donnybrook.
Drinking water supplied to Albany and Mount Barker has been fluoridated for many decades, with Denmark on occasion receiving limited supplies of fluoridated water over short periods when its drinking water was supplemented by pipeline from Albany.
The addition of fluoride to community drinking water supplies is supported by numerous health organisations, including the National Health and Medical Research Council and the WA Branch of the Australian Dental Association.
About 94 per cent of WA's population accesses fluoridated drinking water.
Fluoridation only applies to drinking water supplied by Water Corporation and does not extend to rural residential properties not connected to its network.
The Department of Health will continue to closely monitor water quality to ensure compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1966.
