We Know What Works, Why it Works, And How it Works.
The simple fact is that the benefits of fluoridated water have been shown to reduce dental decay by 25% over a person’s lifetime. This includes both adults and children.
Concerned about risks? There are no valid, peer-reviewed scientific evidence of any adverse health effects of optimally fluoridated water.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in water supplies. Fluoride has been shown to reduce the rate of tooth decay when added to toothpaste or water.
How does Fluoride get in our Water?
As groundwater flows over rocks, it picks up fluoride ions which originate from those rocks. These fluoride ions are what is commonly referred to as being “naturally occurring” fluoride. The fluoride ions added during fluoridation are identical to these “naturally occurring” fluoride ions.
What is Water Fluoridation?
Water fluoridation is the simple adjustment of existing fluoride in water to a level that helps prevent dental decay. Local water systems typically choose from one of three forms of fluoride to engage in fluoridation, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed information on these types of fluoride.
What are the Benefits and Risks of Fluoridated Water?
Benefits: The benefits of fluoridated water have been shown to reduce dental decay by 25% over a person’s lifetime. This includes both adults and children.
Risks: There are no valid, peer-reviewed scientific evidence of any adverse health effects of optimally fluoridated water.
Watch + Learn
Why is Fluoride Good for Teeth?
Fluoride in the Water Isn’t Going to Hurt You
Fluoridated Water – Tap Into It!
Facts You Need to Make a Healthy Choice
Why The Government Puts Fluoride In Our Water
Time to Brush: Tips for Parents of Young Children
The Story of Fluoridation
The U.S. National Institute of Health published an excellent article on the history of community water fluoridation
Chemistry of Fluoridation
We frequently get asked about the chemical composition of fluoride as it appears in community water fluoridation. Here you will find some straightforward explanations about how fluoride ions interact with water.
Some Simple Chemistry
Ken Perrott, retired research scientist, explains in simple terms how fluoride interacts with water.
Explanation of Hydrolysis Reaction of Fluoridation Substances
Our own AFS authors explain the hydrolysis reaction process of adding fluorosilicic acid to water.
Community Water Fluoridation Reference Manual
Fluoridation is the single most important commitment a community can make to its children and to future generations.
-Dr C. Everette Koop, Surgeon General of the United States, 1981-1989
Benefits vs Claims of Antis
Dr. Johnny Johnson, Jr, DMD, MS, explores the benefits vs claims made by those opposed to water fluoridation.
Collection of Publications
We’ve collected a large number of scientific articles & publications confirming the safety, benefits, & cost-savings of community eater fluoridation.
CDC Reports
The Center for Disease Control frequently releases reports about fluoridation. Find 6 of our favorites below. Click the titles to read the full CDC reports.
Engineering Fact Sheet - Pipe Corrosion
The concern that using fluorosilicate additives to fluoridate drinking water causes water system pipes to corrode is not supported by science.
Engineering Fact Sheet - Water Additives
Community water systems in the United States use one of three additives for water fluoridation. Decisions on which additive to use are based on cost of product, product-handling requirements, space availability, and equipment.
2012 Fluoride Statistics
These statistics were prepared using water system data reported by states to the CDC Water Fluoridation Reporting System as of December 31, 2012, and the US Census Bureau state population estimates for 2012.
2014 Fluoride Statistics
These statistics were prepared using water system data reported by states to the CDC Water Fluoridation Reporting System as of December 31, 2014, and the U.S. Census Bureau state population estimates for July 2014. Revised July 2016.
Infant Formula and Fluoridated Water
Breastfeeding is ideal for infants. If breastfeeding is not possible, formula can be used.
2015-16 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
These manuals are part of the protocol for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics.
Testimonials from prominent scientists
See what the recent US Surgeon Generals are saying about the benefits of fluoridation.
Fluoridation is the single most important commitment a community can make to its children and to future generations
With the development of fluoridated drinking water and dental sealants, Americans are less likely to experience tooth loss and gingivitis by middle age … Community water fluoridation continues to be a vital, cost-effective method of preventing dental [cavities].
Water fluoridation has helped improve the quality of life in the United States by reducing pain and suffering related to tooth decay, time lost from school and work, and money spent to restore, remove or replace decayed teeth.”
Statements from our Partners
Click the icons below to see statements about Fluoridation from organizations around the world.
Latest Research
We continuously add links to the latest research concerning fluoridation.
Prenatal exposure to fluoride and neuropsychological development in early childhood: 1-to 4 years
Effect on Early Childhood Caries (2019)
Fluoridated Water Modifies Effect of Breastfeeding on Dental Caries
Breastfeeding is important for health and development. Yet, the interaction between breastfeeding duration and usage of fluoridated water on caries experience has not been investigated. This study examined exposure to fluoridation as an effect modifier of the association between breastfeeding duration and caries. The 2012 to 2014 national population-based study of Australian children involved parental questionnaires and oral epidemiological assessment. Children were grouped by parent-reported breastfeeding duration into minimal (none or <1 mo), breastfed for 1 to <6 mo, breastfed for 6 to 24 mo, and sustained (>24 mo). Residential history and main water source used for the first 2 y of life were collected to group children into exposed (WF) and nonexposed (NF) to fluoridation. Socioeconomic status, infant formula feeding, and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption data were collected.