U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin today officially endorsed community water fluoridation as “one of the most effective choices communities can make to prevent health problems while actually improving the oral health of their citizens.”

“Fluoridation’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in fewer and less severe cavities,” Dr. Benjamin said. “In fact, each generation born since the implementation of water fluoridation has enjoyed better dental health than the generation that preceded it.”

Every surgeon general for the past 50 years has endorsed fluoridation of community water supplies as a safe and effective weapon in the war against tooth decay.

The American Dental Association has supported fluoridation since 1950.

“The ADA’s policies regarding community water fluoridation are based on the best available science showing that fluoridation is a safe, effective way to prevent dental decay” said ADA President Dr. Robert A. Faiella. “The ADA, along with state and local dental societies, continues to work with federal, state and local agencies to increase the number of communities benefiting from this very effective public health measure.”

“We applaud Dr. Benjamin for making this public endorsement of fluoridation,” Dr. Faiella said.

Dr. Benjamin’s letter to the National Oral Health Conference is available [ online ]

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