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

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ADA: Keep current water fluoridation levels on overseas bases

Jun 27, 2025
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The Organized Dentistry Coalition, which includes the American Dental Association, is urging the Department of Defense to maintain current water fluoridation levels on military bases overseas.  

In a June 19 letter, the coalition said water fluoridation “is essential to dental health, which remains a critical component of military readiness and directly impacts the health of service members and their families.” 

Many military dependents on overseas bases lack access to base dental clinics and must rely on local providers through the TRICARE Dental Program for dental care, according to the coalition. The letter emphasized that water fluoridation could result in increased dental issues for this community.  

It also noted that past policies have recognized the direct link between fluoridated water and dental readiness, including a 2003 directive to support the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health People Goals and Objectives that included providing optimally fluoridated water to the population. Dental decay can lead to serious health complications and is a major reason junior enlisted members are classified as nondeployable, the coalition said.  

“Given the documented benefits of fluoridation in reducing cavities and promoting overall health, we strongly urge the [Department of Defense] to maintain the current water fluoridation standard of 0.7 mg/L in public water systems on overseas bases,” the coalition said. “Doing so will safeguard military readiness while ensuring families continue to receive essential preventive health care.” 

The Organized Dentistry Coalition letter was also signed by the Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, American Association of Endodontists, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Association of Orthodontists, American Student Dental Association, and Society of American Indian Dentists. 

 

 

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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