Why Mention Water Fluoridation?

Teen and DoctorPatients rely on your advice to live healthier, longer lives. That is why it is vital to discuss how oral health and water fluoridation can help them do just that. Here are tools for health professionals with corresponding handouts for families!

Guides for Health Professionals and Parents/Caregivers
Community Water Fluoridation/Oral Health Posters
Additional Resources

When talking to your patients about oral health and fluoridation, here are a few key points to make:

When talking to your patients about oral health and fluoridation, here are a few key points to make:
Research has linked poor oral health to diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
  • Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
  • Floss daily
  • Cut down on snacks, especially those that are high in sugar or starch
  • Get regular check ups
  • Drink fluoridated water
Fluoride occurs naturally in almost all water but not always at levels that effectively prevent tooth decay. That’s why we practice community water fluoridation. Just as we add vitamin D to milk for healthy bones and folic acid to bread for healthy red blood cells, we adjust fluoride in water to the optimum level to prevent tooth decay.
More than 3,000 scientific studies and research findings have been published on fluoride. The overwhelming evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation. It is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the World Health Organization, and many other respected health and medical organizations.
Community water fluoridation is credited with reducing tooth decay by as much as 25%, and that is over and above the effects of fluoridated products such as toothpaste and mouthrinse.
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What Respected Organizations And Experts Say About Water Fluoridation
American Association of Public Health Dentistry

“… it has been shown that children with the greatest dental need and who are at highest risk for tooth decay benefit the most from water fluoridation.”

The resolution also stated: “The Association recommends that federal, state, and local agencies and organizations promote water fluoridation as the foundation for better oral health.”

“Research shows that community water fluoridation offers perhaps the greatest return-on-investment of any dental care strategy.”
— Pew Charitable Trusts