IT must be many years now since the television commercial introduced me to toothpaste with the new magic ingredient, fluoride.

Soon I was won over, soon everyone, it seems, was won over. We associated fluoride with happiness and health, with freedom from fillings, and we’ve cleaned our teeth with it regularly ever since.

Perhaps the scene was set for market expansion. Why not put it in water too? The Primary Care Trust was chosen for the task, and soon, with all the persuasive techniques of product advertising, a Public Consultation was launched. But in upping the stakes some terrible truths have leaked out. Fluoride, it seems, is more toxic than lead. There’s enough in one tube of toothpaste to kill a child. Half of all the fluoride I’ve ingested remains in my body. It isn’t a nutrient, like calcium, which is needed for healthy teeth and bones. It’s a toxin, detrimental to health, which my body has to manage.

I’m afraid the PCT has lost my trust in promoting fluoridation. I’m not prepared to be duped again. I say no to fluoride in water, no to fluoride in toothpaste, and watch out for fluoride in every shape and form.

Hazel Bingham, Southampton.