Guidelines for the use of Fluorides in Australia

Fluoride use is the best way to prevent tooth decay and benefits children and adults’ teeth through life.

Oral Health Services Tasmania refers to and supports these key references for fluoride use within the community and for individual use.

• Guidelines for use of fluorides in Australia: update 2019 - Do - 2020 - Australian Dental Journal - Wiley Online Library.
• National Health & Medical Research Council (for water fluoridation)

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural compound found in water, plants, rocks, soil, air and food. It helps to strengthen teeth and prevents tooth decay.

Fluoride in drinking water

• In most areas of Tasmania, fluoride is added to tap water.
• The amount added is small and closely regulated.
• It will not hurt you or the environment.
• The Department of Health Tasmania accepts it as a safe and good practice, measured by more than 150 scientists and health organisations.