Campaign to fluoridate Washington state – Part 4. Pro-Fluoridation resources and Q & A.

This is #4 of 5 parts [#1, #2, #3, #4, #5] from this campaign website

sponsored by the Arcora Foundation. Online as of January 26, 2022.

Resources & common questions on fluoride

Frequently Asked Questions

What does fluoride do?

Fluoride prevents cavities. It is a key part to good oral health. The recommended baseline sources of fluoride for all of us are a combination of fluoridated water and brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Dentists and healthcare providers may also recommend additional sources of fluoride, like in-office treatments and fluoride varnish, for those who need it.

What are fluoride and fluoridation?

Fluoride is a mineral that exists naturally in most water sources, including lakes, rivers and the ocean. It also exists in varying levels in the food and beverages we drink. Through the process known as “water fluoridation,” public water systems balance the amount of fluoride to the optimum level for preventing tooth decay.

How does fluoride prevent tooth decay?

Fluoride works in two ways. In people of all ages, it works topically on tooth surfaces by mixing with saliva, neutralizing the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and strengthening the enamel. In children, water with a good balance of fluoride supports the development of teeth that are resistant to decay. When someone drinks water, fluoride combines with the calcium and phosphate in developing teeth – making the teeth more resistant to cavities and decay.

Why do some people oppose fluoridation?

The internet has its share of websites that contain inaccurate and misleading information that aim to cast doubt and confusion. In fact, every major health entity in the United States, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association, the Surgeon General, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, support fluoridation. Leading health experts and researchers who have studied fluoridation for decades in the US overwhelmingly conclude that drinking water with fluoride is safe, effective and essential to maintaining good oral health.

How about fluorosis? Isn’t that caused by drinking water with fluoride?

Fluorosis is mostly a cosmetic condition that leaves faint white streaks on teeth. It does not cause pain or affect the health of the teeth. Excessive amounts of fluoride naturally occurring in drinking water could cause fluorosis, but not when the levels are adjusted to the government’s recommendation. In fact, medical experts believe that in many cases, fluorosis occurs because young children consume too much toothpaste when brushing their teeth.

Is fluoridation still necessary?

Yes. Although Americans’ dental health has improved over the last decades, tooth decay is still widespread and affects more than 90 percent of Americans by the time they reach their adult years. Water fluoridation is the most efficient and cost-effective way of getting the health benefits of fluoride.

What about fluoride in toothpaste? Isn’t that sufficient?

No. Years after toothpaste with fluoride became widely available, an independent panel of experts looked at the specific impact of water fluoridation and determined that it reduces tooth decay by about 25%. Medical experts consider water fluoridation the most effective source of fluoride.

If fluoridation is effective, why do people still get cavities?

Fluoride alone cannot guarantee a person will enjoy a full life without cavities. Other factors play a role, such as a person’s diet and nutrition, and the frequency with which they visit the dentist for routine treatment. Nevertheless, research proves that fluoridation does reduce the rate of tooth decay and provides an important benefit to all individuals.

Is fluoridation only good for children or does it also benefit adults?

Tooth decay is an issue that people must address throughout their lifetime, and fluoridation helps people of all ages. In seniors, it helps prevent decay on the exposed root surfaces of teeth—a condition that affects older adults. This is especially good news, since Medicare does not cover most dental care.

Who decides about water fluoridation in communities?

State laws and city ordinances determine the process for how a community decides whether to begin water fluoridation or not. It’s important to ensure that those making this decision—whether they are elected officials or the voting public—are relying on sound, scientifically accurate information.

More resources

There is power in knowledge. The more we know about what fluoride does, the better decisions we can make about our health care and wellbeing. Here are some reliable sources of information about water fluoridation:

Download Washington Water Fluoridation fact sheet

International and national medical organizations

American Academy of Family Physicians

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Dietetic Association

American Heart Association

American Medical Association

American Public Health Association

American Society for Nutritional Sciences/American Society for Clinical Nutrition

Association of State and Territorial Health Officers

Institute of Medicine

Institute for Science in Medicine

Council of State Governments

Indian Health Service

International Association for Dental Research and American Association for Dental Research

National Cancer Institute

Washington State Department of Health, Oral Health Program

World Health Organization

United States Public Health Service

Surgeons General statements on community water fluoridation

The past five Surgeons General supported community water fluoridation and encouraged communities to fluoridate their water. Here are the most recent five statements:

2016, Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A.
2013, Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., MBA
2004, Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, VADM, USPHS
2001, David Satcher, MD, PhD
1995, Audrey F. Manley, MD, MPH

Dental and oral health organizations

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

American Association of Public Health Dentistry

American Dental Association

American Dental Hygienist Association

Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors

FDI World Dental Federation

National Dental Association

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research

Drinking water and environmental organizations

American Water Works Association

Environmental Protection Agency

Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water

Campaign for Dental Health, Water Operators

Community water fluoridation information

Campaign for Dental Health

Fluoride Exposed

Mouth Healthy

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Fluoride Science

American Fluoridation Society

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Fluoride Action Network