"Scientifically unsound and academically dishonest" is how a peer review describes the Northland District Health Board's report on the Far North fluoridation trial of 2007-2009.

Fluoridation causes more premature births, one of the top causes of infant death in the USA. It poses the greatest risk to poor non-white mothers and babies. This is the finding State University of New York researchers from data spanning 1993 to 2002.

A new study shows that "arthritis" alone costs the health system (i.e. taxpayer) $2 billion per year (1.2% GDP). And it will keep increasing unless something is done, according to the authors.

The UK South Central Strategic Health Authority (SHA) is facing a legal challenge over its recent decision to fluoridate areas of Southampton against the overwhelming weight of public opinion, and the vote of 6 out of 7 local Councils.

The Otago District Health Board announced last week it will close 85 school dental clinics in the region. Southland's clinics will also be closed.

Investigations show that the latest support for fluoridation in the Far North "is just smoke and mirrors" according to Mark Atkin, of Fluoridation-Free NZ Coalition partner, Fluoride Action Network.