Is fluoride safe?

Over 80 years of research–more than 7,000 studies–shows that a small amount of fluoride in your tap water is safe and one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay in our communities.

A new wave of misinformation despite decades of evidence.

Fluoridated water has protected American teeth for generations. Yet misinformation is spreading, and in 2025 two states ended the practice despite decades of scientific support. Calgary discontinued water fluoridation in 2011. By 2021, dental health had deteriorated so much that voters chose to bring it back.

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Explore the claims and see what the science shows.

What Is Fluorosis? What Is Fluorosis? Is Fluoridation Expensive? Is Fluoridation Expensive? Does Fluoride Lower IQ? Does Fluoride Lower IQ? Is Fluoride Safe? Is Fluoride Safe? What About Fluoride in Drinking Water? What About Fluoride in Drinking Water? Does Fluoride Cause Cancer? Does Fluoride Cause Cancer? Is Fluoridation Effective? Is Fluoridation Effective? How Common Is Fluoridation? How Common Is Fluoridation? How Does Fluoridation Work? How Does Fluoridation Work? Is Fluoride Toothpaste Enough? Is Fluoride Toothpaste Enough? Myths and Facts Myths and Facts What Do Health Experts Say? What Do Health Experts Say? What Do Surgeons General Say? What Do Surgeons General Say? Common Questions About Fluoride Common Questions About Fluoride

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Why Campaign for Dental Health?

The Campaign for Dental Health (CDH) was created to ensure that people of all ages have access to the most effective and affordable way to protect teeth from decay: community water fluoridation (CWF). Why? Not that long ago, run-away cavities and gap-toothed smiles were commonplace. Thankfully, the past half century has seen lots of progress. Better dental care and widespread fluoridation have vastly improved our oral health.

But this progress has been uneven. Millions of people, especially children from families with low incomes, suffer needlessly from dental problems. Poor oral health leads to missed hours of school and work, more costly and involved treatment, and sometimes life-threatening infections. Community water fluoridation is the safest, most effective and equitable way to help reduce and prevent dental disease for people of all ages.

The CDH is a broad network of oral health advocates, health professionals, child and family organizations, and scientists working together to preserve our nation’s gains in oral health. Our mission is to provide the public and policy makers with the evidence-based information and tools they need to promote and protect fluoridation. Read more about the CDH here.