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 The
Benefits of Fluoride
From the Office of the Surgeon General,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 2000
Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe, and
inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. This method of fluoride delivery
benefits Americans of all ages and socioeconomic status. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is an easy way to
prevent tooth decay. Fluoridation, which was started in Grand Rapids, Michigan in
1945, has been used successfully in the United States for more than 50
years. It benefits both children and adults. Fluoride works by stopping or even reversing the decay process.
It keeps tooth enamel strong and solid. Community water fluoridation is considered one of 10 great public
health achievements of the 20th century. Of the 50 largest cities in the United States, 42 have community
water fluoridation (and 2 cities are have natural fluoride levels that
are optimal). Fluoridation reaches 67 percent of the population on
public water supplies—more than 170 million people. The annual cost of fluoridation is approximately $0.50 in
communities of ≥ 20,000 to approximately $3.00 per person in communities
≤ 5,000 (in 1995 dollars) for all but the smallest water systems. Even
so, 100 million Americans do not have access to fluoridated water. Communities with fluoridated drinking water in the United States,
Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand show striking
reductions in tooth decay—those with fluoridated drinking systems have
15–40 percent less tooth decay. Nearly all tooth decay can be prevented when fluoridation is
combined with dental sealants and other fluoride products, such as
toothpaste. Fluoride dietary supplements can provide fluoride to those who do
not have adequate levels in their drinking water. They are available as
tablets, drops, or lozenges. Over-the-counter fluoride dental products such as toothpastes and
mouth rinses are effective in preventing decay. Products with high concentrations of fluoride that are applied in
the dental office or prescribed for home use offer additional protection
for those at increased risk of tooth decay. Because older Americans are now keeping their teeth longer,
fluoride will continue to be important for preventing tooth decay in
this age group. Older Americans are especially susceptible to tooth
decay because of exposed root surfaces and mouth dryness that may result
from many medications.
For more information, contact:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Oral Health, MS F-10
4770 Buford Highway, NE
Atlanta, GA 30341
http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
National Institutes of Health
Building 45, Room 4AS-19
45 Center Drive MSC 6400
Bethesda, MD 20892-6400
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov
If you have questions or comments, e-mail:
ccdinfo@cdc.gov
Related Links
Date last reviewed:
September 26, 2007
Date last updated: August 9, 2007
Content source:
Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion |
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