RE: "Dentists sing fluoride praise" (Bolton Evening News, June 9).

I am not impressed by their fancy titles or their idea that a toxic material should be added to our water supply, in the hope that it will improve the dental health of some children.

Their efforts would be better directed to educating the parents of these children with tooth decay, and not advocating mass medication.

Despite what these alleged learned people say, there is more than "anecdotal" evidence that fluoride does cause medical problems, especially for older people, therefore, as an older person, I see no reason why my health should be put at risk, by the addition of this toxic material into our water supply, when there is a simpler, more effective and efficient way to prevent tooth decay in these children, i.e. teach them to brush their teeth. If people want fluoride, they can use a toothpaste with fluoride in, or a mouth wash.

I am not objecting to the use of fluoride by the individual, just as long as I am not forced to take it as well.

John Leyland

Buckingham Avenue

Horwich