---

Institute of Medicine

“Evidence continues to reaffirm that community water fluoridation is effective, safe, inexpensive, and is associated with significant cost savings.”

Institute for Science in Medicine:

“The scientific consensus over fluoridation’s health benefits, safety, social justice, and economies has been firmly established over six decades of widespread use in the United States and elsewhere. Nevertheless, anti-science critics have never relented in their opposition — recycling previously disproven charges of harm, inventing new ones out of whole cloth, misrepresenting scientific facts and research, exaggerating risks, understating benefits, inappropriately invoking the precautionary principle, and accusing public health officials of corruption, conspiracy, and ‘mass medication’ of whole populations.”

International Agency for Research on Cancer:

“Fluoridation of drinking-water was introduced in the USA in 1950, and thus the studies in the USA encompass periods of observation of 20 years or more. … The studies have shown no consistent tendency for people living in areas with high concentrations of fluoride in the water to have higher cancer rates than those living in areas with low concentrations or for cancer mortality rates to increase following fluoridation.”

“Since a large number of comparisons were made, some would be expected by chance alone to show differences. However, no consistent difference has been seen, and there have been as many significant negative associations between fluoridated water supplies and cancer incidence or mortality as there have been positive associations.”

“… Epidemiological studies have shown no association between the presence of fluorides in drinking-water and the incidence of Down’s syndrome.”

International Association of Dental Research:

“The International Association for Dental Research (IADR), considering that dental caries (tooth decay) ranks among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide . . . and taking into account that over 50 years of research have clearly demonstrated its efficacy and safety; and noting that numerous national and international health-related organizations endorse fluoridation of water supplies; fully endorses and strongly recommends the practice of water fluoridation for improving the oral health of nations.”

Iowa Nurses Association:

“Extensive scientific documentation over the past half-century has established and consistently reaffirmed that fluoridation of community water supplies is the safest and the most cost-effective community based method of preventing dental caries, regardless of socio-economic status.”

Iowa Public Health Association:

“The combination of daily oral hygiene practices in the home, regular dental care, and community water fluoridation has the potential to significantly reduce tooth decay and gum disease in children and adults.”

Irish Forum on Fluoridation:

Note: The Forum on Fluoridation was appointed by Ireland’s government to study the impact of water fluoridation on the Irish people. The Forum published its report in September 2002. The very first conclusion of this report is below:

“Water fluoridation has been very effective in improving the oral health of the Irish population, especially of children, but also of adults and the elderly.”

John H. Armstrong, MD, Surgeon General of the State of Florida:

“Today, fluoridation is still the most cost-effective way to prevent dental cavities. It is an ideal public health measure where everyone benefits, whether rich or poor, no matter the age, without requiring any conscious effort of the individual.

“Beginning in Gainesville in 1949, Florida cities have embraced the concept of fluoridation for their citizens. Approximately 13 million people are currently benefiting from fluoridation in Florida. … National surveys of oral health dating back several decades document the continued benefit of fluoride in decreasing tooth decay in children and adults. It is doubtful that any other public health procedure has undergone more research, epidemiological study and intense public scrutiny than water fluoridation.”

Linus Pauling, winner of the Nobel Prize (1954) and National Medal of Science (1974):

Note: Opponents of water fluoridation often label fluoride as “toxic” or “poison.” Linus Pauling debunked this assertion in a 1967 article, writing:

“In this respect, fluoride ion is similar to many other substances, such as vitamin D, that are harmful in large amounts but are required in small amounts for life and good health of human beings.”

Massachusetts Dental Society:

“…we also have come to realize that the issue of fluoride, to some, is less about science and more about emotion. The groups and individuals questioning the safety of fluoride tend to forget that many dentists are parents, too. Why would we advocate for water fluoridation if we believed that it would be compromising our own children’s health in any way?”

Massachusetts Medical Society:

In 2014, the Society created a video and web page that promoted “the importance of dental insurance, how poor oral health can lead to oral cancers, the role of diet in oral health, and the benefits of fluoridation.”

The Mayo Clinic:

“Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities and can even reverse the earliest stages of tooth damage. Because of its benefits for teeth, fluoride is added to many public water supplies. It’s also a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouth rinses. But bottled water usually does not contain fluoride.”

Michigan Department of Community Health:

“Community water fluoridation has proven to be safe through both practical experience and research. During the past 40 years, over 4,000 studies have measured and confirmed the safety of fluoride. Community water fluoridation has been studied more thoroughly than any other public health measure.”

Mississippi State Department of Health:

“Water fluoridation is an effective, safe and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. … In Mississippi, the cost of water fluoridation is usually between one and two dollars per person per year and saves $16-$19 per person per year in dental treatment costs.”

National Black Caucus of State Legislators:

“… Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) recognizes the importance of community water fluoridation as a safe, cost-effective public health intervention proven to prevent tooth decay and reduce oral health disparities;

“Be It Further Resolved, that the NBCSL urges state and local governments to implement and maintain optimal levels of water fluoridation in public water supplies.”