WHAT a very sad reflection, on a materially rich, supposedly educated and civilised society, that the only way those in power can come up with a solution to chronic tooth decay, is to put a chemical of dubious origin and disputed benefit into the public’s water supply.

An education system that in spite of 11 years of compulsory attendance, with draconian measures for pupils and parents who do not comply, that cannot produce individuals with sufficient intelligence to understand the simple measures required to ensure healthy teeth.

Why no mention, in the talk of our children’s health, of those undisputed, essential ingredients for healthy teeth and bones, calcium and vitamin D. How far would the money already wasted over the years on adding fluoride to Britain’s water supply have gone, in either continuing the supply of free school milk or improving the environment in which our children play? Or maybe the health of our children has never been the primary reason for adding this chemical to the water supply.

Any debate on our children’s health should be centred on the capabilities of those who worm, sorry work, their way into positions of power. There are a lot of things rotten in Southampton and children’s teeth are not top of the list.

J DENTON, Sholing.