Drinking fluoridated tap water is good for your overall and oral health. Here are five facts that support water fluoridation as safe and beneficial.
- Prevents tooth decay. Fluoride remains the most efficient way to prevent cavities and oral disease – so much so that the CDC declared fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century.
- Helps people of all ages and income levels. Studies show that drinking water with optimum levels of fluoride reduces cavities by at least 25 percent in children and adults. Another study found that older adults living in areas with fluoridated water are more likely to have all of their natural teeth Water fluoridation is especially beneficial in underserved communities, where access to oral health care may be limited.
- Is proven and effective. Water fluoridation is one of the most studied health measures. With more than 56,000 research papers and studies, few public health topics have been researched as thoroughly as community water fluoridation. More than 100 trusted health and scientific organizations, as well as the U.S. Surgeon General and local dental and medical providers, stand behind water fluoridation.
- Is a cost-effective public health tool. Preventing disease is preferable to treating an ailment. It also is less expensive. For most cities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in potential dental treatment costs, saving families, businesses and taxpayers money.
- Is natural. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring element found in groundwater. Similar to how vitamin D is added to milk or salt is fortified with iodine, community water fluoridation is the process of ensuring recommended levels of fluoride is added to drinking water to prevent tooth decay.
Oral Health Watch
4 hours ago
An overwhelming majority of adults recognize the importance of oral health care access. Investments that provide access to preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments are good health policy - and the right thing to do. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
10 hours ago
An overwhelming majority of adults recognize the importance of oral health care access. Investments that provide access to preventive oral health care and timely dental treatments are good health policy - and the right thing to do. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
3 days ago
Painful cavities, tooth loss, and oral disease can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and enjoy healthy and delicious food, leading to reduced food intake and preventing people from consuming essential nutrients that promote well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
Painful cavities, tooth loss, and oral disease can make it difficult to chew, swallow, and enjoy healthy and delicious food, leading to reduced food intake and preventing people from consuming essential nutrients that promote well-being. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
4 days ago
There are numerous reasons why community water fluoridation is recognized as one of the Top 10 public health achievements of the 20th Century.
💧Cost-effective and equitable way to prevent cavities.
💧Shown to reduce cavities by at least 25% in children and adults.
💧Helps reduce ...dental treatment costs, saving households and health systems money.
💧Contributes to improved oral - and overall - health.
💧Reduces health disparities by benefiting everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
5 days ago
There are numerous reasons why community water fluoridation is recognized as one of the Top 10 public health achievements of the 20th Century.
💧Cost-effective and equitable way to prevent cavities.
💧Shown to reduce cavities by at least 25% in children and adults.
💧Helps reduce ...dental treatment costs, saving households and health systems money.
💧Contributes to improved oral - and overall - health.
💧Reduces health disparities by benefiting everyone regardless of socioeconomic status.
#teethmatter