Here are the facts, plain and simple, about community water fluoridation: it is effective, it saves you and your community money and it is safe. Learn more about the facts below.
Fluoridated Water is EFFECTIVE
• Fluoridated water keeps a low level of fluoride (0.7 mg/L) in the mouth all day. Fluoride toothpaste provides a much higher concentration at important times of day such as bedtime, according to the CDC.
• The recommended fluoride concentration in drinking water (also called the optimal level) is 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water. This is about equal to 3 drops of water in a 55-gallon barrel. This level is tested daily and sometimes multiple times a day.
• In 2022, 72.3% of the U.S. population served by community water systems–more than 209 million people–had access to fluoridated water. Kansas ranks 34th and 65.4% of the state’s population is receiving fluoridated water from their Community Water System
• Fluoridated water can reduce tooth decay by up to 25% over the lifetime of children and adults.
• One community found that discontinuing community water fluoridation led to a 51%increase in cavities for children under the age of six
• If getting to the dentist is difficult for you or your children, whether due to distance, cost, or other challenges, drinking fluoridated water can help prevent cavities and reduce tooth pain
Fluoridated Water SAVES YOU and Your Community MONEY
• Fluoridated water is the most cost-effective way to protect teeth, costing 70 times less than fluoride supplements, half the price of fluoride rinses, and less than fluoride varnishes and gels.
• In communities with 1,000 or more people, every $1 spent on water fluoridation saves about $20 in dental care costs.
• It cost local water companies $.50-$3 per person per year to add to the water supply.
• In 2013, the cost of water fluoridation was estimated at $324 million, but it saved about$6.5 billion in dental costs after expenses.
• Community water fluoridation is one of the most practical, cost effective, fair and safe measures communities can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A, U.S. Surgeon
Fluoridated Water is SAFE
• More than 80 years of research and experience shows community water fluoridation is Healthy and safe.
• Thousands of scientific studies and nearly 80 years of experience prove fluoridation is safe and effective. The amount of fluoride used in America’s water is safe and regulated and doesn’t lead to bad side effects. Studies around lowered IQ did not show fluoride as a cause and examined fluoride at levels more than twice the limit used in water in the United States.
• Too much of anything can be unsafe. Fluoride levels in water and toothpaste are carefully monitored and regulated. Fluoride in toothpaste and water work in different ways to keep teeth healthy – much like seatbelts and airbags work together.
• Fluoridated water keeps a low level of fluoride (0.7 mg/L) in the mouth all day. Fluoride toothpaste provides a much higher concentration at important times of day such as bedtime, according to the CDC.
Common Fluoride Myths Explained
PMGR: Community Water Fluoridation, History, Science, & Public Health Impact
Learn about the history and benefits of community water fluoridation, how it helps prevent cavities, current challenges, and available national resources in this presentation by Dr. Adam Barefoot.
Putting Prevention into Action: Community Water Fluoridation Webinar
Drs. Jay Kumar and Scott Tomar highlighted the current research regarding the effectiveness of community water fluoridation, the relationship between fluoride and neurocognitive development, and future directions of fluoride-related research. This webinar, broadcast on February 14, 2024, was part of the Putting Prevention into Action series presented by NIDCR and the American Dental Association in observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Why is Public Water Fluoridated?
Fluoridating community water is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay—it’s even recognized as one of the top 10 public health achievements. With over 70 years of research, thousands of studies, and the experience of more than 210 million Americans, we know that water fluoridation is both safe and effective in reducing cavities. This video covers all this in more detail.
Fluoride in your water: Is it really safe?
Fluoride has been added to public drinking water for decades, but it remains a topic of debate. In this video, two doctors explore everything you need to know about fluoride in your water—its benefits, potential risks, and the science behind it. Whether you’re worried about its effects, interested in the research, or just want a balanced look at both sides, this video breaks it all down.
Why Fluoride In Your Tap Water Is A Good Thing
Your orange juice can contain calcium, and milk can help deliver Vitamin D into your daily diet. Find out why adding fluoride to your community water systems is safe, natural and effective at preventing 25% of cavities. Get the facts at ada.org/fluoride.
All About Fluoridation
This video explains the purpose of community water fluoridation, how fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, the importance of maintaining safe fluoride levels, and addresses common misconceptions surrounding fluoridation.