Byron Shire is expected to reconsider its anti-fluoride stance after figures showing small children in northern NSW are hospitalised at nearly double the state rate for mass extraction of rotten teeth.

Anti-fluoride activists in nearby Ballina were defeated last month when the council voted eight to two against a motion that would have stopped the fluoridation of the water supply from proceeding. The vote came after experts, including the state's chief health officer, Kerry Chant, met with councillors to debunk myths.

On Wednesday, Byron deputy mayor Diane Woods said she was drafting a motion to reconsider fluoridation, which the council voted against in 2009. She wants an extended debate with experts.

Councillor Woods said it ''wasn't right'' that children in the area had 2.5 times as many holes as children in other parts of the state.

NSW Health confirmed last week that small children in the area were hospitalised at nearly twice the NSW average for mass extraction of rotten teeth.