One regional council in New South Wales has deferred back to general scientific consensus, voting to undo a previous ban and start adding fluoride to its water.

Debate raged this week at the Lismore City Council, with vocal support raised for both sides of the public health and safety debate.

The public gallery of the council meeting chambers were jam-packed with dozens wishing to take in the lively debate. It even saw medical experts and authorities from NSW Health attend to explain the benefits of fluoridation.

Dr Kerry Chant from NSW Health joined a number of local dentists and doctors in lending science a voice.

Reports say the debate threatened to leap off the rails at some points, with Mayor Jenny Dowell calling for calm while interjections flew around the room.

When the storm of opinion subsided Cr Dowell said the vote landed in favour of fluoride: “We revert to the decision of 2006 where the council of that time supported the addition of fluoride so we're back on track for fluoride to be added to the water,” she said.

The final council vote was six in favour and five against.