The Australian Medical Association of Queensland is calling for water fluoridation to be mandated across the state.

This comes after six Cairns councillors voted against the reintroduction of fluoride in the local water supply.

AMAQ President Dr Nick Yim told Dean Miller on 4BC Afternoons, "It's a tiny amount added, and it has been proven to be safe since the 1940s.

"The main reason why it is added is that it has been shown to prevent dental decay especially in children."

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