The fluoride debate has fired up again, this time in the small King Country community of Taumarunui.

The Waikato District Health Board wants the Ruapehu District Council to put fluoride back into the town's water supply.

It was removed in 2011.

DHB oral health manager Diane Pevreal says the science is clear, it benefits communities and has no adverse effects.

She says the World Health Organisation recommends all people should have access to fluoridated water.

"Children in the area have a lot of dental decay, the area has got a high level of socio-economic depravity and it will improve oral health for the overall community."

Pevreal says tooth decay is an unnecessary burden on the health system.