COMMUNITY WATER FLUORIDATION

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The sections below provide information regarding Community Water Fluoridation, a common public health intervention, and fluoride, the mineral we use to keep our teeth clean and bones healthy. If you're wondering what Community Water Fluoridation is - or why we advocate for CWF - feel free to review the information below. If you have any further questions, we'd love to hear from you!

What is Fluoride –

Fluoride naturally occurs in rocks, soil, and water. It can be found in foods. dietary supplements, and, most likely, in your drinking water! Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen bones. The links below will help those interested in learning about fluoride and the fluoridation process.

 

  • About Fluoride - The Center for Disease Control (CDC) created a FAQ sheet centered on fluoride and fluoridation. While ADA's FAQ (see below) is more comprehensive, this is a great place to start for most searched questions.
  • All About Fluoride/How to Take Action on Fluoride - The American Dental Association (ADA) developed this infographic as a basic primer to fluoridation and CWF advocacy.
  • Common Myths about Community Water Fluoridation - the American Fluoridation Society (AFS) looks at a number of common myths and misconceptions and answers them with science and data.
  • Fluoride Exposed: Real Science for Real People - Fluoride Exposed explains the science behind fluoride (and how it relates to water, health, teeth, and chemistry) in an exciting and intuitive way.
  • Fluoridation Facts - the ADA's compiled list of 114 common questions about fluoride and fluoridation - with answers!
  • Naturally Occurring Fluoride in Drinking Water - the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ATSDD) compiled answers on common questions concerning naturally occurring fluoride.
  • Water Fluoridation Additives - The CDC explains how fluoride is added to community water systems. Click the link to better understand where fluoride additives come from, what fluoride additives exist, and the regulations and standards governing fluoride use.

What is CWF -

Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) refers to the adjustment of levels of fluoride found naturally in water to the CDC-recommended 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of drinking water. This preventive measure saves communities, on average, $20 annually per dollar invested. The CDC recognizes CWF as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century.

CWF is a safe and cost-effective public health intervention that makes fluoride accessible to everyone.

Unsure if your water is fluoridated?

The CDC compiles a list of all water utilities that actively fluoridate.

Learn if your water is fluoridated!
  • The Campaign for Dental Health (I Like My Teeth) - I Like My Teeth is the website for the Campaign for Dental Health, a program of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). I Like My Teeth provides substantial information about CWF. In particular, their "The Debate Over Fluoridated Water" covers key questions about fluoride and delivers helpful answers.
  • Community Water Fluoridation - The CDC's webpage for CWF. You can find all sorts of information, including (but not limited to) water fluoridation data, promotional resources, and other organizations that support CWF.
  • Community Water Fluoridation - The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) 's webpage for all things CWF! This provides an in-depth look into the state's CWF program.
  • Fluoride Legislative User Information Database (FLUID) - FLUID is "an up-to-date, user-friendly tool to answer questions about the legal and policy status of community water fluoridation in all U.S. states and territories. The goal of FLUID is to enable users to access accurate information and to be a resource that allows them to compare their current or proposed policies with others from across the country".