ISDA position on community water fluoridation:
In efforts to achieve optimum oral health for all Idahoans, the Idaho State Dental Association supports efforts to achieve and/or maintain community water fluoride concentrations of 0.7mg/L for all communities. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element in the water of many areas of Idaho.
Numerous scientific studies endorsed by reputable organizations have shown a fluoride concentration of 0.7mg/L in drinking water to be a safe, effective, and inexpensive method of cavity prevention.
The CDC considers community water fluoridation one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century due to its effectiveness in preventing cavities. Scientific research overwhelmingly supports the safety and efficacy of water fluoridation in improving oral health and is a cost-effective way to significantly reduce tooth decay, providing a major public health benefit across communities.
CDC - About Community Water Fluoridation
Why is fluoride in water? - American Dental Association Facts
According to the ADA, almost 75% of the U.S. population is served by fluoridated community water systems as of 2012.
Fluoride is added to water to help prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel. Many communities add fluoride to their water supply for five key reasons:
It prevents tooth decay. Fluoride in water is the most efficient way to prevent cavities, one of the most common childhood diseases. An estimated 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental-related illness. Community water fluoridation is so effective at preventing tooth decay that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named it one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
It protects all ages against cavities. Studies show that fluoride in community water systems prevents at least 25% of tooth decay in children and adults, even with widespread public access to fluoride from other sources such as fluoride toothpaste.
It’s safe and effective. For over 75 years, the best scientific evidence has consistently shown that fluoridation is safe and effective. It has been endorsed by numerous U.S. Surgeons General. More than 100 health organizations have joined the ADA in recognizing the health benefits of water fluoridation for preventing tooth decay, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
It saves money and promotes oral health for all. The average lifetime cost per person to fluoridate a water supply is less than the cost of just one dental filling. For most municipalities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation saves $38 in dental treatment costs. Fluoride in water is a cost-effective way to significantly reduce tooth decay providing a major public health benefit across communities.
It’s natural. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral present in groundwater and the oceans. Water fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride to a recommended level for preventing tooth decay. It’s similar to fortifying other foods and beverages — for example, fortifying salt with iodine, milk with vitamin D, orange juice with calcium, and bread with folic acid.
Idaho statewide and community water fluoridation information
