FAT salaried (his words not mine) dentist, A Brooks, blames me, and others opposed to fluoridation, for the sorry state of children's teeth. He should be very careful in his accusations!

The two children whose dental health I was responsible for are now in their 30s and both have a full set of good teeth.

It is understandable that dentists are singularly concerned about the health of teeth, and that the majority are in favour of fluoridation.

It is also understandable that people whose loved ones suffer from the crippling bone disease, osteoporosis, should be equally concerned, and opposed to fluoridation, when doctors tell us that fluoride can make this very painful and degenerating disease, worse.

There are of course many other reasons why we should oppose fluoridation, all of which have been aired on these pages.

But one reason that hasn't been mentioned often, is that in towns such as Bolton, there are still many families living in or near the poverty line.

A poor diet leads to poor health and consequently, poor teeth. This is a scandal that must be addressed by government. Perhaps dentists, such as A Brooks, should be as vociferous about this as they are about fluoridation.

An interesting point. If fluoridation is so good for children's teeth, why hasn't it been adopted throughout Europe?

In a report I read in 2001, apart from Basle, and two small places in Spain, Europe was fluoride free.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton