17 NOVEMBER 1979, Page 19

A dentist writes

Sir: Simon Courtauld (Notebook, 3 November) tells us that he is 'completely ignorant about fluoride'. He should have stopped at that point.

In the Thirties and Forties fluoride was never added to water supplies. In this country it was first added in 1955. So his 'overdose was not added. In parts of Essex excess fluoride occurs naturally in the water supply, and has done for many years. Generations of residents in these parts had stained but undecayed teeth. His remarks about cancer are just as accurate. Of course the easy way to avoid dental decay is to avoid refined carbohydrates and especially sugar. This is important for teenagers. After that age decay tends to be less active.

W. Malcolm 2 Alexandra Terrace Fraserburgh