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.

April 15 Joint Letter

NYSDA News Headlines

Stay informed with the latest updates from the New York State Dental Association:

ADA urges evidence-based approach in EPA fluoride review

Jun 16, 2025

Encourages adherence to Safe Drinking Water Act protocols

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The ADA is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to incorporate several evidence-based studies and analyses in any upcoming review of the science on the safety of fluoride in drinking water. It also encouraged the agency to apply its Safe Drinking Water Act review protocols and discontinue literature that doesn’t meet those standards.  

This follows an April 7 EPA announcement stating the agency intends to “expeditiously review new scientific information on potential health risks of fluoride in drinking water.”  

In a June 9 letter, ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Shapiro, D.D.S., J.D., noted that the Safe Drinking Water Act requires the agency to follow certain protocols when considering changes to its national primary drinking water regulations.  

The ADA provided a list of studies it said are likely suitable for a six-year review, based on the risk evaluation protocols established in the Safe Drinking Water Act. It identified various meta-analyses, evidence reviews, peer reviews and commentaries. The Association also said the risk-of-bias assessment method the National Toxicology Program used in its 2024 report is “far less stringent” than the six-year review protocols the Environmental Protection Agency follows under the act.  

“In fact, most of the 19 studies upon which [the National Toxicology Program] relied would be considered unsuitable for a six-year review,” the ADA said, noting that many of these studies have methodological flaws and use fluoride levels significantly higher than U.S. recommendations.  

The letter urged the agency to consider the weaknesses of the studies and meta-analyses the National Toxicology Program relied on before giving weight to the agency’s report and separately published meta-analysis. See the letter for the full list of ADA-deemed suitable and unsuitable studies.  

Additionally, Drs. Kessler and Shapiro said the latest version of the ADA’s fluoridation resource, Fluoridation Facts, is scheduled for publication in June. Fluoridation Facts provides answers to frequently asked questions about the safety, health benefits, cost-effectiveness of community water fluoridation and aims to “provide clear, well-cited answers to help policy makers and the public navigate the many misperceptions about this time-tested and highly successful public health initiative.” 

“We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how the ADA can support and partner on a new scientific review of fluoride in drinking water. In the meantime, we urge you to prioritize high-quality studies that are consistent with the [Safe Drinking Water Act] review protocols, and discount literature that does not meet that standard,” the ADA said. 

 

 

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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