Benefits of Fluoride

 

Fluoride is a natural mineral recognized for its critical role in preventing tooth decay and strengthening enamel. Backed by over 75 years of research, fluoride is endorsed by leading health organizations like the CDC and WHO for its ability to reduce cavities and improve oral health. Public water fluoridation is a safe, cost-effective, and equitable solution that benefits everyone, especially underserved communities, while reducing overall dental costs. Good oral health is linked to better overall health, reducing the risks of systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

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Statement from the ADA on FDA Action to Remove Ingestible Fluoride Prescription Drug Products

May 15, 2025

CHICAGO, May 13, 2025 — Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it intends to remove fluoride supplements from the market effective October 2025 once a safety review is completed. According to the FDA, this safety review applies to “ingestible fluoride prescription drug products” – not toothpaste, mouth rinses or other topical products containing fluoride.

“Proposals like this stand to hurt rural America, not make them healthier,” said Brett Kessler, D.D.S., president of the American Dental Association. “More than ever, at this critical time in American health care policy, it is vital that we slow down to properly study the full implications of actions like this on the health of the nation.”

Fluoride supplements have been shown to be effective at reducing tooth decay and are one method for maintaining oral health when utilized daily in compliance with the proper dose. A review of the studies offered as referenced by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) do not in fact demonstrate any harmful effects for the concentrations of fluoride prescribed by physicians and dentists. There is limited research on the studies of microbiome composition and fluoride association.

“In non-fluoridated communities, especially rural areas, fluoride supplements are the only chance for individuals to get the appropriate amount of fluoride to prevent tooth decay,” said Dr. Kessler. "This is true even when other sources of fluoride are available, like fluoride-containing toothpastes and mouth rinses.”

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. If community water fluoridation programs are terminated, without appropriate fluoride supplementation, children and adults are unlikely to get an adequate amount of fluoride needed to safely prevent dental cavities. The recommended fluoride intake will likely not be met if fluoride supplements or tablets are banned because few over-the-counter dietary supplements contain fluoride, and many multivitamins only contain trace minerals.

“In places like Utah and Florida with fluoride bans, if the recommended level of fluoride for community water systems at 0.7 mg/L is reduced or terminated, health experts will need to look to other public prevention programs to offset tooth decay and mitigate factors impeding dental care treatment options in communities. If prescription and over the counter fluoride supplements are also banned, then there are fewer prevention methods of tooth decay available,” said Dr. Kessler. “This is not ideal for our patients, but it will be particularly harmful to the most vulnerable and those who lack access to care. Today’s announcement stands to harm states like Utah disproportionately since they recently banned community water fluoridation while their own health department recommended fluoride supplements as a sound alternative to help prevent decay.”

Water fluoridation is one of the safest ways we can prevent cavities for children and adults. Around 70 percent of the U.S. population receives fluoridated community water. Optimal levels of water fluoridation prevent cavities by providing frequent and consistent contact with low levels of fluoride, reducing tooth decay by 25 percent in children and adults. Fluoride in plaque and saliva is recharged by frequent sips of water and inhibits the demineralization of enamel while enhancing the remineralization of tooth surfaces. While community water fluoridation is the most efficient method to deliver this preventive benefit, the substitution of alternative decay prevention like fluoride tablets or supplements are recommended to glean the proven systemic benefits fluoride provides.

Where community water fluoridation is not delivered, there has been increased incidence of dental decay, particularly among children and low-income populations. For example, in Calgary, Canada; Juneau, Alaska; and Israel, tooth decay levels and dental treatment costs rose even though brushing did not stop.

For more information on community water fluoridation and ADA advocacy, visit ADA.org/fluoride.

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 159,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance has long been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), published monthly, is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org.

 

 

Fluoride FAQ

What is fluoride and how does it protect teeth?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, food, and dental products like toothpaste. It helps protect teeth by strengthening the enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. Before teeth break through the gums, fluoride helps make enamel stronger, reducing the risk of decay. After teeth emerge, fluoride continues to help by remineralizing weakened enamel, reversing early signs of cavities.

Is fluoride safe?

Yes, fluoride is safe when used as directed. Scientific studies conducted over decades have consistently shown that fluoride, at recommended levels, is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay. The recommended fluoride level for public water supplies in the United States is 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 0.7 parts per million (ppm). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized water fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

What is water fluoridation?

Water fluoridation is the practice of adding fluoride to drinking water to bring the level up to a point that helps prevent tooth decay. It is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure everyone in a community, regardless of age or income, gets the cavity-fighting benefits of fluoride.

Should children use fluoride toothpaste?

Yes, fluoride toothpaste helps prevent cavities and makes teeth stronger. For children under 3, use just a small smear of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). For children ages 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount. Always supervise children while brushing to ensure they use the correct amount and don’t swallow toothpaste.

Does NYSDA support fluoride use?

Yes, the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) strongly supports the use of fluoride as a safe, effective, and proven method to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. NYSDA advocates for the use of fluoride in public water supplies and encourages the continued use of fluoride-containing dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses. NYSDA believes that access to fluoride helps promote better oral health for all New Yorkers, particularly underserved communities who may have limited access to dental care.

How can I find out if my water supply contains fluoride?

You can contact your local water utility to inquire whether your community’s water supply is fluoridated. Many local water suppliers provide this information in their annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is available to residents. The CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride tool also allows you to search for the fluoridation status of your community’s water supply. If your water is not fluoridated, you can still get the benefits of fluoride through toothpaste, mouth rinses, and professional treatments from your dentist.

Where can I learn more about fluoride?

For more information, we recommend visiting trusted sources such as:

For more detailed inquiries, please feel free to contact NYSDA directly.

 

 

Debunking Misinformation

Myth

Fluoride is harmful and toxic.

Fact

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, and the levels used in community water fluoridation are strictly regulated for safety. At optimal levels (0.7 mg/L), fluoride is not harmful.

Fluoridation is unnecessary because people can just use toothpaste.
While toothpaste is important, water fluoridation provides continuous protection for everyone, especially those without access to dental care. It’s a proven, equitable solution that reaches all members of the community.
Fluoride causes developmental or neurological harm in children.
Decades of peer-reviewed studies, including research from the CDC and WHO, have found no reliable evidence linking fluoride at recommended levels to neurological harm or developmental issues in children.
Fluoride leads to fluorosis and discolored teeth.
Dental fluorosis occurs only when children ingest excessive fluoride during tooth development. Fluoridated water at recommended levels is safe and effective and doesn’t cause fluorosis when used as directed.

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