Community Water Fluoridation Facts

Fast facts

• Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to a level recommended to prevent tooth decay.1
• More than 75 years of research and experience shows community water fluoridation is safe and healthy.
• Community water fluoridation remains one of the most cost-effective ways to deliver fluoride to all community members regardless of age, education level, or income level. Water fluoridation also saves money for families and the U.S. health care system. 2
• Drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25% in both children and adults.34 This results in less pain, fewer fillings or teeth pulled, and fewer missed days of work and school.3
• Communities that have fluoridated water save an average of $32 per person a year by avoiding treatment for cavities.5
• Communities of 1,000 or more see an average estimated ROI of $20 for every $1 spent on water fluoridation. The ROI for community water fluoridation increases as the community size increases, but even small communities save money.5
• In 2022, 72.3% of the U.S. population served by community water systems–more than 209 million people–had access to fluoridated water.6
• Community water fluoridation is recommended by nearly all public health, medical, and dental organizations. It is recommended by the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. Public Health Service, and World Health Organization.