Fluoridation
In 2000, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 66% of residents using community water systems had access to fluoridated tap water.
Why fluoridate the water?
North American water systems have added fluoride, a naturally occurring element, to their water supplies since 1945 to help prevent tooth decay. Since that time, child cavity rates have been reduced by 20-40% where fluoridation has been implemented.
The fluoridation of drinking water is endorsed by the American Dental Association, the American Medical Association, and the US Public Health Service.
The CDC proclaimed fluoridation to be one of the top ten greatest public health achievements of the past century.
- As part of its “Healthy People 2010” campaign, the US Department of Health and Human Services set a goal of increasing the proportion of the American population served by community water systems with optimally fluoridated water to 75% by the year 2010.
What is water fluoridation? How does it prevent tooth decay?
- Fluoride is a naturally occurring ion that is present in water.
- Fluoride's effect is topical. It keeps the tooth enamel strong by preventing the loss of important minerals.
Is fluoridation safe?
- Yes. Extensive research conducted over the past 50 years has demonstrated that fluoridation of public water supplies is a safe and effective way to reduce the incidence of tooth decay in a community.
- A detailed review by the National Research Council in 1993 found no links between low-level fluoride ingestion and occurrences of cancer, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, immunological disorders, reproductive effects, genetic disorders, or bone fractures.
- While exposure to high levels of fluoride over a long time can cause dental fluorosis, a condition that leads to mottled tooth enamel, discoloration, and in some cases erosion the gum line, the fluoride content in your drinking water is limited under federal law and the levels are very low.