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.

Fluoridation Facts

Fluoridation Facts, 2025 E-book cover image80 years of research supports community water fluoridation! Explore its evolution, effectiveness, safety and cost in an easy Q&A format e-book.

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Fluoridation: Science and Facts

Jan 12, 2026

Fluoridation the the news: behind the recent developments, and the public health impact.

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Episode notes

Fluoridation: Science and Facts

Fluoridation is all over the news these days. We’re diving into a conversation about recent developments, what it means for public health, and what’s being done to support our dental communities.

Special Guest: Dr. Scott Tomar

“Why do we put vitamin D in milk? Why do we add iodine to salt? All these things are things where we have good science that these prevent adverse events. And it's the absolute same thing with fluoride. We're just adjusting the level of a mineral that naturally occurs in bodies of water. That's how we learned about it.”

Dr. Tomar
Dr. Scott Tomar

Show Notes

  • In this episode of Dental Sound Bites we are talking about fluoridation, a topic all over the news these days. We’re diving into a conversation about recent developments, what it means for public health, and what’s being done to support our dental communities.
  • Our guest on this episode is Dr. Scott Tomar, Professor, Associate Dean for Prevention and Public Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry. He currently serves on the American Dental Association (ADA) National Fluoridation Advisory Committee and is the ADA spokesperson on community water fluoridation. Dr. Tomar has published about 180 journal articles and book chapters and contributed to seven reports of the US Surgeon General. He is a former editor of Journal of Public Health Dentistry and Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice and has received numerous awards, including International Association for Dental Research’s H. Trendley Dean Distinguished Scientist Award. Dr. Tomar is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health.
  • What discoveries guided us to the common practice of water fluoridation? Dr. Tomar shares a brief history and context of the science of fluoridation and the data and decision behind fluoridating our water.
  • With fluoride in the headlines, dentists are hearing more skepticism, and some communities are questioning the safety of water fluoridation, with some states and communities even proposing changes to fluoridation policies currently in place. Dr. Tomar explores what is happening with public perception, and why.
  • Our guest and hosts explore the future of oral health in the face of rampant misinformation on this issue. How can dentists advocate for fluoride in their communities?
  • Dr. Tomar shares how dentists can communicate and advocate for science in plain terms with their patients and help explain and reinforce the scientific evidence that exists on the topic.
  • Dr. Tomar also shares that much of the public and some policy makers may not recognize all the ways that oral health is tied to overall health, and that taking fluoridation out of community systems may have a negative and expensive impact overall for our health care system.
  • Public health groups, including the World Health Organization, The American Academy of Pediatrics and many others, are strong supporters of public water fluoridation. Check our resources section for a link to the complete list of health groups that support water fluoridation.

Resources


 

 

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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