What Do Surgeons General Say?
Community water fluoridation is one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures communities can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. Water fluoridation’s biggest advantage is that it is the best method for delivering fluoride to all members of the community regardless of age, education, income level, or access to routine dental care. Fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay extends throughout life, resulting in fewer and less severe cavities. In fact, each generation born since the implementation of water fluoridation has enjoyed better dental health than the preceding generation.“
Dr Vivek H. Murthy
U.S. Surgeon General (2014 – Present)
“With the development of fluoridated drinking water and dental sealants, Americans are less likely to experience tooth loss and gingivitis by middle age … Community water fluoridation continues to be a vital, cost-effective method of preventing dental [cavities].”
Dr Regina Benjamin
U.S. Surgeon General (2009 – 2013)
“Water fluoridation has helped improve the quality of life in the United States by reducing pain and suffering related to tooth decay, time lost from school and work, and money spent to restore, remove or replace decayed teeth.”
Dr Richard Carmona
U.S. Surgeon General (2002 – 2006)
“More than 50 years of scientific research has found that people living in communities with fluoridated water have healthier teeth and fewer cavities than those living where the water is not fluoridated. … A significant advantage of water fluoridation is that anyone, regardless of socioeconomic level, can enjoy these health benefits during their daily lives — at home, work, or at school or play — simply by drinking fluoridated water or beverages prepared with fluoridated water.”
Dr David Satcher
U.S. Surgeon General (1998 – 2002)
“Data consistently have indicated that water fluoridation is the most cost-effective, practical, and safe means for reducing the occurrence of tooth decay in a community.”
Dr Audrey Manley
U.S. Surgeon General (1995 – 1997)
Fluoridation is “the single most important commitment a community can make to the oral health of its children and to future generations.”
Dr C. Everett Koop
U.S. Surgeon General (1982 – 1989)
