After my first child was born, I was told by my dentist to give him fluoride drops to prevent cavities.

At the time I had no idea that fluoride has never been classified safe for human consumption and is more toxic than lead.

But now, whenever my son smiles at me, I am reminded, for his front teeth are flecked with white spots.

This is a mild form of dental fluorosis, resulting from excess fluoride in the body.

I don't know if the fluoride drops are to blame but am not very keen on the Government's plan to add fluoride to our water supplies.

Fluorine is the most reactive element of the halogen group of chemicals and bonds easily with other elements, becoming a fluoride.

It's not possible to estimate how much fluoride an individual is ingesting because we are surrounded by dietary sources of it (tea, soy baby formula, chewing gum, dental products, anti-depressants, anaesthetics, pesticides, fungicides).

Unchecked, fluoride causes structural damage to the surface of children's teeth and it's not good news for the rest of the body either.

It blocks the absorption of calcium and in excess can lead to bone deformities, thyroid complaints, lowered IQ and infertility.

So why do we need it in our water supply?

According to our health authorities, fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay in children.

However, research doesn't support this view. Where fluoridation has been discontinued, dental decay has decreased, not increased.

The rest of Europe has realised the folly of it and banned water fluoridation altogether.

The health authorities in the UK are promoting fluoridation, for reasons best known to themselves.

Surely they would do better to address the supreme reign of sugar and fizzy drinks so obesity, diabetes and heart disease could be reduced at the same time?

As there is no rational argument for adding a known poison to the water supply, some suspect more sinister motives.

Flouride is a by-product of making phosphate fertiliser. The makers can't get rid of it easily as it is too dangerous to bury.

However, nobody is stopping them from giving it to the water companies.

So what can consumers do if water companies go ahead with the dirty deed?

Voice your opinion by telling your MP what you think about fluoridation via www.faxyourMP.com You could buy bottled water or install a water filter under your sink (an ordinary jug-type filter won't remove fluoride) and charge the water company for the trouble and expense (or deduct it from their bill).

If you are starting to feel like the Ancient Mariner ("Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink"), plant a tamarind tree in your garden and eat its pod-like fruits.

These have been shown to be effective at ridding the body of excess dietary fluoride by increasing its output in the urine.

The tamarind, a beautiful evergreen originally grown in the tropics, produces tangy brown pods.

When ripe, these are ideal for making chutney, curries, pickles and Worcestershire sauce. Bon appetit!

There is a public meeting against water fluoridation on Sunday, April 18, at Hanover Centre, Southover Street, Brighton, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm.

Martina is a qualified nutritional therapist at the Dolphin House Clinic and Crescent Clinic of Complementary Medicine, Brighton, or visit www.thehealthbank.co.uk