Fact Sheets
Background Information on
Community Water Fluoridation
Provides a brief overview of fluoridated water to prevent tooth decay.
Recommendations for Using Fluoride to Prevent and Control
Dental Caries in the United States
This fact sheet lists the recommendations contained in this CDC
2001 report published in the MMWR Recommendations and Reports
series.
CDC Statement on the 2006 National
Research Council (NRC) Report on Fluoride in Drinking Water Some
water has naturally occurring fluoride at levels much higher than the
optimal. A recent report, Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of
EPA’s Standards from the National Research Council (NRC), addresses the
safety of high levels of fluoride in water that occur naturally. This report
does not address the lower levels of fluoride used to prevent tooth decay.
Cost Savings of Community Water Fluoridation
Two studies conducted by CDC examined the cost-effectiveness of
community water fluoridation and the wide benefit of fluoridated water
in states that are highly fluoridated to those people living in
nonfluoridated communities. Together, the studies continue to show that
widespread community water fluoridation prevents cavities and saves
money, both for families and the health care system.
The Benefits of Fluoride
Produced in conjunction with the release of
Oral Health in America: A
Report of the Surgeon General (May 2000), this fact sheet
describes community water fluoridation as an effective, safe, and
inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. This method of fluoride delivery
benefits Americans of all ages and socioeconomic status.
Preventing Dental Caries Through Community Programs
Describes the reduction in tooth decay attributed to community water
fluoridation and school-based dental sealant programs and provides
examples of states that have implemented effective prevention
strategies.
Fact Sheet on Questions About Bottled Water
and Fluoride
Some bottled waters contain fluoride, and
some do not. Most bottled waters contain fluoride at levels that are
less than optimal for oral health. This fact sheet covers common questions
about bottled water and fluoride.
CDC Statement on Water Fluoridation and Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a type of rare bone cancer; approximately 400 children and
adolescents in the United States are diagnosed each year. A recent study
titled, “Age-specific fluoride exposure in drinking water and osteosarcoma
(United States)” (Bassin et al., 2006) suggested a possible association for
young males, but no apparent association in females.
Well Water and Fluoride FAQs
Answers common questions on fluoride in private well water.
Water Fluoride
Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program
The proficiency testing (PT) program is a national program administered by CDC to verify
the accuracy of measuring fluoride in drinking water by state
reference laboratories. CDC has operated the PT program for more
than 20 years. Water
Fluoridation Additives
Fluorosilicic acid is the most commonly used additive for water
fluoridation, followed by two dry additives—sodium fluorosilicate and sodium
fluoride. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) prepares standards for
the manufacturing, quality, and verification of the fluoride additives. The
American National Standards Institute prepares standards for documenting the purity of
the additives.
Corrosion of Pipes
Water fluoridation will not increase water corrosion or cause lead to leach
(dissolve) from pipes and household plumbing fixtures.
Water Fluoridation Reporting System
(WFRS)
The
WFRS helps states manage the quality of their water
fluoridation programs. WFRS information is also used for national
reports that describe the percentage of the U.S. population on public water
systems receiving optimally fluoridated drinking water. The system was
developed by the CDC in partnership with the Association of State and
Territorial Dental Directors.
Calculating Fluoridated Populations
A state’s fluoridation status is an indicator of progress in promoting oral
health; consequently, it is important to document how this status is
calculated.
Temporary Shortages of Fluoridation Additives: FAQs
Adjusting the fluoride content of water is a safe and healthy practice
that provides significant oral health benefits for a community. Although
shortages of fluoride additives for water fluoridation are infrequent, there
have been periods when shortages have occurred. FAQs address common
questions to CDC in the event of a shortage. Page last reviewed: March 4,
2008
Page last modified: March 4, 2008
Content source:
Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion |
