The following data from the World Health Organization provides the most recently reported tooth decay rates in 12-old-year children in developed nations. As can be seen, many countries with no water fluoridation at all have lower rates of tooth decay than countries that fluoridate more than 60% of their water. In fact, of the seven countries with the lowest tooth decay rates, six have no water fluoridation programs, while one (England) fluoridates only about 10% of its water.  To the extent that water fluoridation has a benefit on teeth, therefore, it is not a discernible benefit when comparing the tooth decay rates of fluoridated vs. non-fluoridated countries.

For a practice (water fluoridation) hailed as one of the “top ten public health achievements of the 20th century,” one would expect to see some detrimental effect among the countries that have opted against doing it. As this data shows, however, no such negative effect can be found.

• To see the historical tooth decay trends in these countries, click here. 
• For more information on fluoride and tooth decay, click here. 

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