Benefits of Fluoride
Overview
For 80 years, community water fluoridation has proven to be a safe, effective and economical way to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral present in all water. It helps strengthen a tooth’s surface, making it more resistant to decay. Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to a level recommended for preventing cavities while minimizing the risk of cosmetic fluorosis. In the U.S., the recommended level is 0.7 parts per mission (ppm), or 0.7 milligrams per liter. This is equal to three drops of water in a 55-gallon barrel.
The Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA), and the American Dental Association (ADA) support community water fluoridation as the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. Studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing dental decay by at least 25% in children and adults, even in the era of widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste. And because public water supplies are available to all, community water fluoridation is a population health initiative that is uniquely positioned to provide equitable protection across all socioeconomic groups.
In addition to the WDA and ADA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Medical Association, the American Association for Dental Research, the American Public Health Association, the U.S. Public Health Service, the National Academy of Medicine, the World Health Organization and many others support fluoridation of community water supplies. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cited community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century (along with vaccinations, infectious disease control and motor vehicle safety).
So, by simply drinking fluoridated water, you are doing something good for your oral health.
Learn more:
- WDA Community Water Fluoridation Fact Sheet
- CDC: About Community Water Fluoridation
- American Dental Association: Fluoridation Facts
- American Dental Association: Fluoride at mouthhealthy.org
- Campaign for Dental Health – ilikemyteeth.org
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services: Fluoride and Community Water Fluoridation
Community water fluoridation in Wisconsin
Data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services shows that in 2022, 84.9% of Wisconsin residents lived in communities with fluoridated water. In 2024, Wisconsin Watch combined data from DHS, the CDC and the Environmental Protection Agency to determine that approximately 83.6% of Wisconsin residents had fluoridated water.
There is a lot of misinformation about fluoride. Here are links to science-based answers to questions you may have:
- American Dental Association: Fluoridation FAQs
- CDC: Community Water Fluoridation Frequently Asked Questions
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Frequently Asked Questions about Fluoride and Fluoridation
- Campaign for Dental Health: Common questions about fluoride
For more information on community water fluoridation, or if you are aware of efforts to challenge community water fluoridation in your area, contact WDA Dental Practice & Government Relations Associate Erika Valadez at evaladez@wda.org or 888-538-8932.
