Oral health is important throughout a person’s life. Fluoride exists naturally in nearly all water supplies. “Fluoridation” is simply adjusting fluoride to the best level that protects teeth from decay. Research shows that community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 18 to 40 percent. Water fluoridation provides dental benefits to people of all ages and income groups without requiring them to spend extra money or change their daily routine. By protecting the enamel of teeth, fluoridation makes it less likely that decay will develop into more serious dental problems that drive people to hospital emergency rooms where treatment costs are high.
Fluoride is one of many health interventions we benefit from each day such as Vitamin D being added to milk, Iodine to table salt, Folic Acid to breads and cereals and Chlorine to drinking water supplies and swimming pools.
More than 70 years ago, in January 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the world’s first city to adjust the level of fluoride in its water supply. Since that time, fluoridation has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions Americans. Community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proclaimed community water fluoridation as “one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.” Studies conducted throughout the past 60+ years have consistently shown that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective in preventing dental decay in both children and adults.
Thanks to all of the local oral health advocates! Rolla is no longer considering removing fluoride from its drinking water. https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2025-05-20/rolla-is-no-longer-considering-removing-fluoride-from-its-drinking-water
AAP reiterates support for fluoride https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/32182?autologincheck=redirected
Since the 1940s, fluoridated water has done what toothpaste can’t: protect entire communities without anyone lifting a finger.
Source: CDC, Timeline for Community Water Fluoridation Timeline for Community Water Fluoridation | Fluoridation | CDC
Community Water Fluoridation is older than microwaves and just as essential. It’s been safeguarding smiles for 80+ years.
Source: CDC, "Timeline for Community Water Fluoridation" Timeline for Community Water Fluoridation | Fluoridation | CDC
Fluoridated water has been fighting cavities since Grand Rapids, Michigan, started it all in 1945. It’s like a vintage classic that just keeps winning.
Source: CDC, "Timelines for Community Water Fluoridation" Timeline for Community Water Fluoridation | Fluoridation | CDC
Grand Rapids, Michigan, flipped the switch on fluoride in 1945—and cavities have been on the run ever since.
Source: CDC, "Timeline for Community Water Fluoridation" Timeline for Community Water Fluoridation | Fluoridation | CDC
Rural, urban, or anywhere in between—fluoridated water ensures that healthy teeth aren’t just for the wealthy.
Source: CDC, "My Water’s Fluoride" My Water's Fluoride | Oral Health Data Systems | CDC
No dental insurance? Let us help. Fluoridated water has your back (and your teeth) without the hefty price tag.
Source: ADA, "Fluoride in Water" Fluoride in Water | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA
Fluoridation bridges the gap—providing cavity protection to everyone, from downtown to dirt roads. Smiles for all!
Source: CDC, "Scientific Statement on Community Water Fluoridation CDC Scientific Statement on Community Water Fluoridation | Fluoridation | CDC
Fluoridated water ensures oral health equity for all—no insurance? No problem. The solution flows straight from the tap.
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), "Water Fluoridation" https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/
Think of fluoridation as a public health superhero—giving everyone, rich or poor, the power to fight cavities for pennies a day.
Source: CDC - My Water’s Fluoride: My Water's Fluoride | Oral Health Data Systems | CDC
A healthier smile shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code. Fluoridated water levels the playing field—because everyone deserves a cavity-free grin.
Source: CDC - Scientific Statement on Community Water Fluoridation: CDC Scientific Statement on Community Water Fluoridation | Fluoridation | CDC
Fluoridation keeps your smile healthy and your piggy bank happy. Dental care is pricey, but fluoridated water works 24/7 to cut costs.
Source: CDC - Community Water Fluoridation Facts: Community Water Fluoridation Facts | Oral Health | CDC
Fluoridated water is like the dollar store of healthcare—just $1 invested saves you $32 in dental bills. That’s a deal your dentist AND wallet will thank you for.
Source: CDC, Return on Investment: Optimally Fluoridated Water Return on Investment: Optimally Fluoridated Water | Oral Health | CDC
Will We All Get Cavities If Fluoride Is Removed From Our Water? Dentists Explain https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a63830415/what-happens-if-fluoride-is-removed-from-water/
How going fluoride-free has impacted one Alaskan city: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/16/nx-s1-5232176/how-going-flouride-free-has-impacted-one-alaskan-city
Public Health England (PHE) has published its Water fluoridation: health monitoring in England 2018 report. The report finds evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation in reducing tooth decay, "especially among deprived communities."
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Missouri Health Talks on the Current Status of Missouri Oral Health – from Intersection, KBIA 91.3 – with Dr. John Dane, MO State Dental Director & Gary Harbison, MCOH Executive Director