BOLTON is indeed fortunate to have citizens of the calibre of Brian Derbyshire and David Sharples, both clearly committed and well informed.

Both however miss the point in their recent communications responding to your paper's recent article regarding the shocking state of health of our children's teeth.

Advice, however correct and well presented, will only reach those receptive to the message. Substantial sections of our society either will not or can not absorb and act on health promotion advice. Some are victims of our long standing dependency culture, no longer able to fend for themselves. Others may have learning difficulties. New immigrants may have not yet integrated into our culture; the list goes on.

I must add to that by mentioning adults in care homes. Fluoridation is not just for the young; it benefits us all to some degree. Healthwatch, a charity acting on behalf of patients is currently undertaking a major national report highlighting how patients' oral health needs are abandoned the second they pass through the doors. Water fluoridation would present a substantial benefit to this most neglected group, preventing a considerable amount of avoidable suffering. Is it out of sight, out of mind for them too?

Peter Moss

Dental Surgeon and potential future care home resident