BRITISH scientists at King's College, London, I believe have found a way of stopping tooth decay.

Made from protein and used by the bacteria that actually cause tooth decay, a solution called a peptide can be applied to teeth and is said to give protection against decay for up to three months. The peptide could now be added to toothpaste.

This is excellent news for those of us who still have our own teeth and especially so for those who are unable to register with a dentist.

It is also excellent news for those of us utterly opposed to the Government plans for the fluoridation of our drinking water, on the pretext that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.

Especially good news too for the many sufferers of osteoporosis whose conditions, many experts say, would be made worse by adding fluoride to our drinking water.

Maybe our two MPs in favour of fluoridation - Brian Iddon and Ruth Kelly - could find time to comment on this issue through these pages, although I feel sure Ms Kelly will not spoil her career chances by actually backing the people she represents and rocking the Government boat.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton