DR Gary Whittle has advised wisely in his appeal to parents to reduce sugary drinks (LET, October 31). He should familiarise himself further with the Health Education Authority's booklet 'The Balance of Good Health' which says: "Eating sugar is a major cause of tooth decay when sugary drinks and food are eaten throughout the day. So limit sugary foods and drinks to meal times only."

We should be thankful that we have not had fluoride added to our drinking water. Fluoride (hexafluorosilicic acid) is a toxic poison and causes dental fluorosis in addition to other ailments.

Treating this dental condition is quite costly and no one should advocate the use of fluoride by any method.

It has been established that children subjected to the ingestion of fluoride have a lower standard of intelligence. This fact has been established in America, Australia,, Birmingham and China.

Therefore, the way to healthy teeth and healthy bodies is first to reduce the amount of sugar ingested. Secondly, there should be a ban on the use of chemicals used on the farms.

Farms would be correctly husbanded by using compost. This would result in the soil receiving nutrients and minerals which in turn would result in health-giving crops.

"God is love. Nature is harmony." Only when we apply this principle to life will we see a healthier citizen in every way.

W J KNELLER, (Secretary, Fight Against Fluoridation -- Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley), Revidge Road, Blackburn.

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