American Dental Association: 5 Reasons Fluoride in Water is the Best Way to Go for Communities

1. Fluoride is the most efficient mechanism for preventing tooth decay. Common in childhood, a study showed that children living in non-fluoridated communities are three times more likely to undergo dental surgery.

2. Naturally present in groundwater, the fluoridation process adjusts the level of fluoride to a degree effective in preventing tooth decay. Fluoridation can be compared to other food fortification processes.

3. Endorsed by numerous Surgeon Generals, studies consistently show that fluoridation of water is safe and effective for preventing tooth decay. More than 100 renowned health organizations recognize its benefits, including the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Medical Association.

4. The price of treating dental disease greatly outnumbers the cost of fluoridation. One dental filling is more expensive than the average lifetime cost per person of fluoridating a water supply.

5. Fluoride benefits teeth of all ages, protecting both children and adults against cavities.