THE health and well-being of the people of Southamp-ton is of the greatest importance to Southampton City Primary Care Trust (PCT). Despite Dr Caroline Lucas's comments (Daily Echo, April 15), there is a lot of evidence that water fluoridation is effective for teeth.

Fluoride occurs naturally in water. In some parts of the country it occurs naturally at levels which are beneficial to dental health.

In Southampton, fluoride levels are only 0.3 parts per million (ppm). Southampton City PCT is simply recommending topping up the levels of fluoride to 1ppm to help fight tooth decay which is a huge problem, especially in children. We want the best start in life for all of our children by reducing the chances of a lifetime of dental problems, and this is the best way we can achieve it in Southampton.

Schemes like this are currently in place in Birming-ham and parts of the West Midlands with significant benefits to the oral health of residents. Close monitoring has not recognised any adverse health effects. Dental fluorisis has not been found to be a significant issue.

The chief medical officer, chief dental officer, British Medical Association, British Dental Association, Faculty of Public Health, the UK Public Health Association, and the Royal College of Physicians all endorse water fluoridation.

The World Health Organisation, the US Public Health Service and many other worldwide prestigious medical and scientific organisations also endorse fluoridation as a safe and beneficial public health measure.

The Strategic Health Authority (SHA) is looking into whether it would be practical to top up fluoride levels in the city's water. If they identify a feasible scheme, a full and open public consultation will be held.

Everyone who lives and works in the areas which may receive fluoridated water will have the opportunity to give their views. The SHA will take everyone's views into account in their decision making.

If anyone would like more information on fluoridation, please go to southamptonhealth.nhs.uk/fluoridation If you would like to voice your opinions, please e-mail me via public.relations@scpct.nhs.uk DR ANDREW MORTIMORE, public health director, Southampton City Primary Care Trust.