Cohuna combats caries with new water fluoridation plant
New water fluoridation plant in Cohuna to help to prevent dental decay and improve oral health outcomes for the community.
A new water fluoridation plant opened this week at Cohuna, near the Victorian/New South Wales border.
This is a major achievement for the Gannawarra Shire and the residents of Cohuna who advocated strongly for water fluoridation.
Dental Health Services Victoria applauds this move as it will help to prevent dental decay and improve oral health outcomes for the community.
Water fluoridation programs have significant health benefits for our communities. Fluoridation has been well proven as a safe and effective method for combatting dental caries, particularly in areas of high sugar intake.
Tooth decay remains one of the most prevalent diseases in Victoria. Almost half of all children have signs of tooth decay and dental issues are the highest cause of preventable hospitalisations for Victorian children under 10 years of age.
Coliban Water is writing to all customers on the Cohuna water supply system to advise that fluoride will now be added to their water. The mailout includes a community information fact sheet signed by Victoria’s Chief Oral Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton. The Department of Health will also place a public notice in the Gannawarra Times.
If you live or work in a community without water fluoridation and would like to know more about the strategies Gannawarra Shire utilised, check out the Cohuna case study on our website.
