Opponents of water fluoridation have criticised a new report, which promotes adding fluoride as an effective means of reducing tooth decay.

The Medical Research Council working group report also claims water fluoridation reduces dental health inequality between affluent and more deprived areas.

Public health minister Hazel Blears has welcomed the report, which she said demonstrated that water fluoridation was "an important and effective method" of protection against tooth decay and "reduces inequalities in dental health".

"There is nothing in this report to suggest any reason why water fluoridation should not be considered as a public health

measure in areas where dental health remains a serious problem."

But the North West Council Against Fluoride disputes findings that water fluoridation reduces inequalities in dental health, and argues that artificially-fluoridated water can cause dental fluorosis to the point where teeth have to be veneered, the cost of which - about £ 200 per tooth - has to be met by the individual.

The MRC report followed a systemic review of research on fluoridation published in 2000.

It also considered concerns about the safety of fluoridation and sought to identify what further research might be required.

The key findings included:

l support for the view that fluoridating water helps reduce tooth decay.

l most research indicates that water fluoridation reduces inequalities in dental decay between high and low social groups.

l the evidence was not considered to support claims that fluoridated water affects the immune system, reproductive system, child development, kidneys or gastro-intestinal tract.

l further studies should be undertaken to determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis with attention to acceptable and aesthetically unacceptable fluorosis.

But information officer for the NWCAF Liz Vaughan, who also chairs the National Pure Water Association, said: "The fact that the MRC is recommending further research, it is totally irresponsible to continue with fluoridation schemes.

It is medication

without consent.

If it's in the drinking water there's precious little you can do about it.

And what's more, you have to bathe in it as well."

Dr Ann Hoskins, of Public Health for Cumbria and Lancashire, welcomed the report but said it was in the public interest that concerns held by sections of the community be fully investigated.

She said there would no change in the authority's position on fluoridation under after Department of Health guidance had been issued.