Prof Derek Ward, the council's director of public health, said he would like to see the addition of fluoride, which already happens in other parts of the country, to Norfolk's water.

And his call has been backed by county councillors across the political spectrum, who say it could help improve oral health in a population struggling to get access to NHS dentists.

Prof Derek Ward, Norfolk County Council's director of public health (Image: Chris Vaughan / Lincolnshire County Council)

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and is used in toothpaste because it can prevent tooth decay from starting and from getting worse.

In some parts of the country it has been added to water since the 1960s, with scientific studies showing tooth decay is reduced in areas where fluoride is boosted.

Decisions on whether it can be added to water rest with health secretary James Murray.

And, with a scheme in the north east about to be extended, Prof Ward said he hoped Mr Murray might consider adding in other counties, such as Norfolk.

Health secretary James Murray (Image: Dan Kitwood / Press Association)

Prof Ward was speaking at a meeting of the county council's adult social care and public........

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