Prevention works
Advancing health equity begins with prevention. Eighty years of research and practical application have demonstrated that community water fluoridation is a valuable and beneficial health measure that gives everyone a fair chance at preventing cavities and tooth loss, regardless of age, income level, or dental insurance coverage status.
Research shows that community water fluoridation is the most effective and equitable way to protect entire communities from oral disease.[1] Water fluoridation saves money by helping strengthen tooth enamel. It reduces cavities by at least 25% regardless of age, income level, insurance coverage, immigration status and other social factors.[2] But this proven public health measure is especially beneficial for people who experience barriers to accessing preventive oral health care, including people living in federally designated dental professional shortage areas, households without dental insurance, communities of color, people living on lower incomes, rural areas, immigrant populations, and senior citizens.
Oral Health Watch supports community water fluoridation because preventing disease is preferable to treating illness. Click here to remind legislators that no one should be denied access to a modern-day public health standard because of where they live.
[1] CDC: About community water fluoridation.
[2] Cost and savings associated with community water fluoridation in the United States.
Oral Health Watch
7 hours ago
#DYK tooth decay is largely preventable? Proven-effective strategies like access to regular dental visits, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, and community water fluoridation can help kids and adults avoid the physical discomfort and burdensome cost of cavities. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
12 hours ago
#DYK tooth decay is largely preventable? Proven-effective strategies like access to regular dental visits, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, and community water fluoridation can help kids and adults avoid the physical discomfort and burdensome cost of cavities. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
13 hours ago
Thank you, Arcora Foundation, Delta Dental of Washington, Seattle Children's, and caring volunteer providers for making the SmileMobile possible. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
13 hours ago
💯 Arcora Foundation. Oral health care needs don't go away just because coverage does. The estimated 250,000 Washingtonians in need of dental care to either pay out of pocket, delay preventive care and/or forego necessary dental treatment, leading to:
🤒 Needless pain and suffering
... 💵 Burdening patients with costly care
🏥 Straining hospital emergency departments and our health care system
💪 Compromising individual and community health
#teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
1 days ago
Is it important for both parents and kids to have access to preventive oral health care? 💯 Parents who model good oral health habits make it more likely for children to adopt these practices from a young age. This proactive approach can help prevent future dental problems, missed school days due... to pain, and potential long-term health issues. #teethmatter
Oral Health Watch
2 days ago
Is it important for both parents and kids to have access to preventive oral health care? 💯 Parents who model good oral health habits make it more likely for children to adopt these practices from a young age. This proactive approach can help prevent future dental problems, missed school days due... to pain, and potential long-term health issues. #teethmatter