GettyImages-119585123Education on the benefits of fluoridation is a part of most, if not all, dental school curriculums. The American Dental Association (ADA) has endorsed water fluoridation and fluoride-containing product usage as safe and effective measures for preventing tooth decay. Efforts by the ADA, coupled with the efforts of dentists and other health organizations, have led to a continual increase in the number of communities that opt for fluoridating their water supplies. 

Water Fluoridation History

In April of 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services updated its recommendation for the optimal fluoride level in drinking water to prevent tooth decay to a single level of 0.7 milligrams per liter of water. The previous recommendation was a range from 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams, issued in 1962. The change resulted from the increase in access Americans have to other sources of fluoride such as toothpaste and mouth rinses in the last 53 years. The recommendation is not an enforceable federal regulation. Individual jurisdictions make their own decisions on whether to fluoridate their community’s water supplies. Some states, however, mandate fluoridation for communities of a specific size.

How to Get Involved

Community water fluoridation was named one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, there are areas in the United States that do not have appropriately fluoridated water systems.

Chapters should research fluoridation activity in their communities to determine whether they are appropriately fluoridated. Chapters can work with local dental societies and state legislatures in these communities to implement appropriate fluoridation in water systems.

ASDA’s Policy

ASDA's I-1 encourages the fluoridation of community water supplies at optimal levels as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ASDA supports the use of fluoridated products as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Resources 

What ASDA Members are Saying