Water Fluoridation
Community water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. For nearly 70 years, community water fluoridation has played a major role in improving the public’s oral health. Because it helps prevent tooth decay in children and adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Today, studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing dental decay by at least 25 percent in children and adults, even in the of era widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste.
What is community water fluoridation?
Fluoridation of community water supplies is simply the adjustment of the existing, naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water to an optimal level for the prevention of tooth decay. Think of it this way: Water that has been fortified with fluoride is similar to fortifying milk with Vitamin D, table salt with iodine, and bread and cereals with folic acid. Simply by drinking water, children and adults can benefit from fluoridation’s cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school.
For additional information on fluoridation visit:
- American Dental Association’s Fluoridation Facts: An encyclopedia of general fluoridation information.
- Compendium: List of organizations that recognize the public health benefits of fluoridation.
- CDC Community Water Fluoridation: Gateway to CDC fluoridation information.
- My Water’s Fluoride: Learn if your public water system is fluoridated.
- Information provided by