The CDC has released the latest statistics on community water fluoridation for the nation on its Web site.

For this information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/statistics/2008stats.htm

The latest data show that in 2008, 72.4% of the U.S. population on public water systems–or 195.5 million people– had access to optimally fluoridated water. This is an increase from 2006 when 69.2% of the U.S. population on public water systems, or 180 million people, received fluoridated water.

Twenty-seven states plus the District of Columbia have achieved the Healthy People 2010 objective of having 75% of their population on public water systems receive fluoridated water. With these most recent statistics, two additional states, Delaware and Oklahoma, have achieved the Healthy People objective.

Community water fluoridation prevents decay in children and adults throughout the lifespan. A review by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services (2001) reported that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 30% to 50% in children and adolescents. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research (2007) found that fluoridation prevents about 27% of cavities in adults.

For more information about fluoridation, visit the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/

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