7/13/06 11:49:53 AM N a t u r e ’s W a y t o P r e v e n t To o t h D e c a y Water Fluoridation

fold fold www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Oral Health NE 4770 Buford Hwy, Mail Stop F-10 Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724 century. Over the past 60 years, optimal fluoridation Over the past 60 years, century. th of community drinking water has been a major factor for the water has been a major factor of community drinking tooth decay. decline in rates of Statement U.S. Surgeon General most cost- fluoridation continues to be the “Community water to provide protection from effective, equitable and safe means level or ability income A person’s tooth decay in a community. a barrier to receiving to receive routine dental care is not powerful Water fluoridation is a health benefits. fluoridation’s differences in health among strategy in our efforts to eliminate on the importance people and is consistent with my emphasis Richard Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., Admiral of prevention.” Vice 2002-2006 F.A.C.S., American Dental Association Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations 211 East Chicago Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678 http://www.ada.org/goto/fluoride 2006 ADA Statement ADA Statement the fluoridation endorsed the ADA has unreservedly Since 1950, and necessary as safe, effective, water supplies of community tooth decay. in preventing CDC Statement to prevent the fluoridation of drinking water CDC has recognized of of 10 great public health achievements dental decay as one the 20 NWay_eng_06.indd 1 7/13/06 11:49:53 AM Every year, many city councils, councils, city many year, Every The average cost for a community Fluoridation is safe. benefits everyone. Fluoridation of community water supplies dental on money saves it because cost-effective is Fluoridation treatment needs. • • • The ADA works with state and local dental societies and local dental societies works with state and The ADA of communities the number coalitions to increase community water fluoridation. from community that benefit also recommends Service (PHS) States Public Health The United preventing dental as a means of water fluoridation community works Control and Prevention (CDC) The Centers for Disease decay. to help health departments and water districts with state and local benefit is delivered safely and effectively ensure that this health to the American public. everyone. benefits Fluoridation fluoridate to action take voters and boards water boards, health to come have too. leaders can supply. Community You water their community—children, entire their benefits fluoridation that realize not does fluoridation water Community citizens. senior and adults, or education, income, of basis the on anyone against discriminate community a in everyone water, fluoridated race. drinking by Simply care. dental regular receive don’t who those especially benefits, Fluoridation is cost-effective. range from approximately to fluoridate its water is estimated to to approximately $0.62 a year per person in large communities (2004 dollars). Over $3.90 a year per person in small communities cost of one dental filling to a lifetime this is typically less than the when it comes to the costs repair one decayed tooth. Remember, of treating dental disease, everyone pays. Not just those who higher health insurance need treatment, but all of us—through cities, every $1 invested in premiums and higher taxes. For most $38 in dental treatment costs. community water fluoridation saves can improve the oral health of Through fluoridation, communities of us. their residents and save money for all fluoridation are these: The key points to remember about water water community about information further obtain can You department. health state or local or dentist your calling by fluoridation

fold fold

More than 60 years of research and experience experience and research of years 60 than More Here’s Why: Here’s element found in rocks and soil everywhere, Fluoride is a natural in and around In fact, waters and in ocean water. in fresh water, from 0.1 natural fluoride levels that range the United States have preventing per million. The optimal level for to more than 12 parts from .0.7 to 1.2 parts per million. tooth decay is a range to have naturally occurring Some communities are lucky enough supplies.optimal levels of fluoride in their water most However, are not. to an optimal level in the water Adjusting the fluoride prevent tooth decay. supplies of these communities can help have reduced rates of tooth Thousands of communities worldwide their residents through decay and improved oral health among water fluoridation. Studies have shown that water fluoridation can reduce the amount of decay in children’s teeth by as much as 60%. Today, even with the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinse, and professional fluoride treatments, fluoridation has been shown to reduce tooth decay by 18-40% among children and by nearly 35% among adults. 60 countries enjoy the Over 405 million people in approximately In the United States, benefits of optimally fluoridated water. two-thirds of the approximately 170 million people (about benefit from fluoridation. population on public water systems) safe. is Fluoridation nature’s way to prevent tooth decay people harm not does levels optimal at fluoridation that shown have professionals, health and scientists Leading environment. the or the around governments and organizations, professional numerous fluoridation. water community support world Fluoridation: Fluoridation: NWay_eng_06.indd 2