The Prime Minister's chief science adviser says the fluoride debate has been hijacked by a misinterpretation of science.
Hamilton District Council voted last week to remove fluoride from its water supply, with other councils around the country looking at doing the same.
Sir Peter Gluckman said on Wednesday that the science of fluoride in water is settled and the fluoride debate is a question of values in society.
He drew similarities with introducing a seatbelt law, where the benefits were long proven, but whether to apply the science-based knowledge was a question of societal values.
Sir Peter said ultimately, this kind of debate must be resolved through the political process.
