Trusted Leaders and Organizations Support Community Water Fluoridation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proclaimed community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.

 

Community water fluoridation is one of the most trusted public health measures—supported by dentists and physicians living in your community, as well as organizations like the American Dental Association, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

Below are statements from many of the trusted organizations and leaders supporting fluoridation.

 

ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY:

“Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before damage is even visible.  Studies have confirmed the most effective source of fluoride to be water fluoridation.”

 

“Instead of drilling holes to fix cavities, dentists would rather educate the public on how to avoid developing tooth decay in the first place.  Drinking tap water to receive fluoride is safe, and it's easier on your wallet than going to the dentist for a filling.”

 

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS:

“Fluoridation of public water supplies is a safe, economical, and effective measure to prevent dental caries.”

 

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS:

“Fluoride plays a very important role in the prevention of dental caries [cavities].  Although the primary mechanism of action of fluoride in preventing dental caries is topical, systemic mechanisms are also important.”

 

“Water fluoridation is a cost-effective means of preventing dental caries, with the lifetime cost per person equaling less than the cost of one dental restoration.  In short, fluoridated water is the cheapest and most effective way to deliver anti-caries benefits to communities.”

 

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS:

“Primary prevention keeps disease from occurring at all by removing its causes.  Examples of primary prevention include … giving immunizations for many communicable diseases, and counseling patients to adopt healthy lifestyles … Examples include chlorination and fluoridation of the water supply …”

 

“Fluoride substantially decreases caries rates. … All children should receive fluoride through systemic water fluoridation or dietary supplements.”

 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCMENT OF SCIENCE (AAAS):

“… fluoridation of community water supplies is repeatedly demonstrating that it is an effective public health measure for the mass partial control of dental cavities, and … [AAAS is] on record as endorsing fluoridation of community water supplies as a method for advancing dental public health, as this 121st meeting of the AAAS.”

 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS:

“Community water fluoridation, which adjusts the fluoride in water to a level sufficient for preventing and controlling tooth decay, reduces tooth decay by 30–50 percent.”  “Although great progress has been made, nearly 28 percent of public water systems do not have the capacity to deliver—and approximately 100 million Americans do not have access to—optimally fluoridated water.  Many communities need support to upgrade or purchase new water systems and fluoridation equipment.”

 

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 Association recommends that federal, state, and local agencies and organizations promote water fluoridation as the foundation for better oral health.”

 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS:

“[Water fluoridation] is inexpensive and eminently safe. It benefits children and adults for a lifetime if consumption continues.  Costs of dental treatment are reduced.  It is socially equitable because everyone in a community benefits and no individual effort or direct action is required by those who will benefit.”

 

“… Vocal opponents to fluoridation have attempted to link various adverse health effects with fluoridation.  Claims that fluoride is harmful have been amply reviewed by international, national, state, and local authorities. Many committees or commissions of experts in medicine, epidemiology, pathology, pharmacology, and toxicology have reaffirmed the safety of community water fluoridation.”

 

AMERICAN COUNCIL ON SCIENCE AND HEALTH:

“Fluoride is harmless at the levels necessary for maximum (dental) benefits.  Thousands of studies on fluorides and fluoridation have been completed in the last 50 years—more than 3,700 since 1970 alone.  Over 50 peer-reviewed epidemiological studies have dealt with the claim that fluoridation increases cancer risk.  None has substantiated the claim.”

 

AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION:

“Studies conducted throughout the past 65 years have consistently shown that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective in preventing dental decay in both children and adults.  Simply by drinking water, children and adults can benefit from fluoridation's cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school.”

 

AMERICAN DENTAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION:

“ADEA supports and encourages fluoridation of community water supplies and the use of topical fluoride.  Community water fluoridation is safe, practical, and the most cost-effective measure for the prevention of dental caries.”

 

AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION:

“Good scientific evidence supports the use of community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride dental products for preventing tooth decay for both children and adults. Adjusting the level of fluoride in drinking water first used fluoride as a preventative for tooth decay in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Fluoridation of drinking water has been used successfully in the United States for more than 50 years.”

 

AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION:

“The American Dietetic Association reaffirms that fluoride is an important element for all mineralized tissues in the body.  Appropriate fluoride exposure and usage is beneficial to bone and tooth integrity and, as such, has an important, positive impact on health throughout life.”

 

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS:

“The good news is that tooth decay and other oral diseases are preventable.  The combination of dental sealants and fluoride has the potential to nearly eliminate tooth decay in school-age children.”

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA):

“The AMA urges state health departments to consider the value of required statewide fluoridation (preferably a comprehensive program of fluoridation of all public water supplies, where these are fluoride deficient), and to initiate such action as deemed appropriate.”

 

AMA has also encouraged physicians to “become involved” in the fluoridation issue by determining “whether municipal water supplies are optimally fluoridated and … working with public health agencies to take corrective action if suboptimal fluoridation is found.”

 

AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION:

“The American Osteopathic Association supports the fluoridation of fluoride-deficient public water supply.”

 

AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION (APHA):

“[The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] announced proposed recommendations to simplify the recommended optimal level for community water systems to 0.7 mg/L fluoride … APHA continues to support community water fluoridation as a sound public health preventive measure.”

 

“Much of the credit for the nation’s better oral health can be attributed to the decision in the 1940s to begin adding fluoride to public drinking water systems.”

 

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION:

“… community water fluoridation at optimal levels is beneficial for preventing tooth decay.”

 

“The goal of community water fluoridation is to achieve the desired oral health benefit while minimizing potential health risks.  That is why water providers undergo thorough and extensive training to safely apply fluoride in the amount recommended by the world’s most respected public health authorities.”

 

ASSOCIATION OF STATE & TERRITORIAL DENTAL DIRECTORS:

“Community water fluoridation remains the cornerstone of dental caries prevention in the United States and has been demonstrated to be safe, cost-effective and beneficial through every stage of life and for all people, regardless of age, race, ethnicity or socio-economic status.”

 

AUDREY F. MANLEY, M.D., M.P.H., SURGEON GENERAL UNDER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON:

“Water fluoridation continues to be the cornerstone of community oral disease prevention.  The benefits of fluoridation are available, on average, for little more than $0.50 per person per year, and even less, in large communities.”

 

AUTISM SOCIETY OF MAINE:

“The Autism Society of Maine has seen no direct research connection between fluoride and autism.”

 

CANADIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION:

“Fluoride is added to public drinking water to protect all members of the community from tooth decay.  Community water fluoridation is a safe and effective way of preventing tooth decay at a low cost.”

 

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC):

The CDC named the “fluoridation of drinking water” as “one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.”

 

CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH PROJECT:

“Water fluoridation is particularly beneficial during childhood and in adolescence when cavity experience first begins.  Not only do children who drink fluoridated water have fewer cavities but their cavities are smaller and less deep when they do occur.”

 

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH:

“In general, fluoride consumption is safe.  Health risks associated with fluoridation are usually limited to misuse and over concentration.”

 

COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS:

“… states need to reduce expenditures in Medicaid budgets and studies have proven that communities benefiting from fluoridated water use fewer Medicaid dollars to treat dental decay. … simply by drinking water, everyone, especially those without access to regular dental care, can benefit from fluoridation’s cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school.”

 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, U.S.A. (DoD):

From a memorandum issued by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs:

 

“Dental decay continues to be a major problem for military personnel and is a significant reason for personnel to be classified as non-deployable. … By far, the most effective preventive program for preventing dental decay is water fluoridation.  I request that your office ensure that all DoD facilities operating a water treatment facility that services over 3,300 personnel provide optimally fluoridated water …”

 

EARLY HEAD START NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER:

“Fluoride is the most effective agent to prevent tooth decay.  It can be added to community water supplies, as needed, and occurs naturally in some areas.”

 

“… Early Head Start staff and parents should be aware that purchased bottled water usually does not contain enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay.”

 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES):

“An effective community water fluoridation program should be the cornerstone of all public oral health programs.”

 

“Recent studies have found a smaller difference in the caries prevalence between optimally fluoridated and fluoride-deficient communities.  In American Indian/Alaska Native populations the expected reductions in disease may be even greater, given the high caries rates.”

 

INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE (IOM):

A panel of the IOM examined the issue of oral health access and issued a 2011 report that included this finding:

“Evidence continues to reaffirm that community water fluoridation is effective, safe, inexpensive, and is associated with significant cost savings.”

 

INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER:

“Fluoridation of drinking-water was introduced in the USA in 1950, and thus the studies in the USA encompass periods of observation of 20 years or more. … The studies have shown no consistent tendency for people living in areas with high concentrations of fluoride in the water to have higher cancer rates than those living in areas with low concentrations or for cancer mortality rates to increase following fluoridation.”

 

“Since a large number of comparisons were made, some would be expected by chance alone to show differences.  However, no consistent difference has been seen, and there have been as many significant negative associations between fluoridated water supplies and cancer incidence or mortality as there have been positive associations.”

 

“… Epidemiological studies have shown no association between the presence of fluorides in drinking-water and the incidence of Down syndrome.”

 

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DENTAL RESEARCH:

“The International Association for Dental Research (IADR), considering that dental caries (tooth decay) ranks among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide … and taking into account that over 50 years of research have clearly demonstrated its efficacy and safety; and noting that numerous national and international health-related organizations endorse fluoridation of water supplies; fully endorses and strongly recommends the practice of water fluoridation for improving the oral health of nations.”

 

NATIONAL CONSUMER LEAGUE:

“Bottled water consumption has doubled over the past decade and as a result, the exposure to fluoride from tap water, which can not only prevent tooth decay, it can repair tooth decay, has been reduced as well.”

 

“Oral health is a critical component of overall health, and we need to spread the word about the importance of brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day, drinking tap water wherever possible, and seeing the dentist twice a year. The benefits will pay off exponentially.”

 

NATIONAL COUNCIL AGAINST HEALTH FRAUD:

“Anti-fluoridationists who point out that fluoride can produce adverse effects deliberately fail to mention that the concentrations that produce adverse effects [are] higher than the concentration produced by properly maintained fluoridation systems.”

“... NCAHF believes that the factions that keep alive the anti-fluoridation movement are a major detriment to the health and well-being of the public.”

 

NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION:

“As a result of water fluoridation half of all children ages 5 to 17 have never had a cavity in their permanent teeth. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the value of water fluoridation 34 percent of the population still does not have access to fluoridated water. Water fluoridation would save over $1.5 billion per year.”

 

NATIONAL PTA (PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION):

“PTA involvement laid the groundwork for cooperative partnerships with medical associations and health organizations in the decades to come. ... [PTA also worked] to educate members about other immunizations and treating water with fluoride to prevent rampant dental problems.”

 

PUBLIC HEALTH LAW RESEARCH (TEMPLE UNIVERSITY):

“Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven effective at preventing tooth decay.”

 

“... In the judgment of a Community Guide expert panel, there is significant evidence to support water fluoridation as an effective public health intervention aimed at reducing tooth decay.”

 

RICHARD H. CARMONA, M.D., SURGEON GENERAL UNDER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH:

“Water fluoridation is a powerful strategy in our efforts to eliminate differences in health among people and is consistent with my emphasis on the importance of prevention.

 

“... Fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health over a lifetime, for both children and adults.”

 

ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

“Fluoride, either applied topically to erupted teeth, or ingested orally (called systemic fluoride) during tooth development, helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reduce the harmful effects of plaque.”

 

STAND FOR CHILDREN:

“Proven preventive measures, such as water fluoridation and dental sealants, can markedly reduce dental disease ... Although those people who oppose fluoridation often publicly cite health concerns as the reason for their opposition, a professional poll of anti-fluoridationists found that health concerns were actually number 8 on the list of 10 concerns. The primary reason people are opposed to fluoridation is for philosophical reasons.”

 

WEBMD.COM:

“Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.”

 

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION:

“Fluoride is being widely used on a global scale, with much benefit. Millions of people worldwide use fluoridated toothpaste. They benefit from fluoridated water, salt fluoridation or other forms of fluoride applications ...”n one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.

 

Community water fluoridation is one of the most trusted public health measures—supported by dentists and physicians living in your community, as well as organizations like the American Dental Association, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

Below are statements from many of the trusted organizations and leaders supporting fluoridation.

 

ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY:

“Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before damage is even visible.  Studies have confirmed the most effective source of fluoride to be water fluoridation.”

 

“Instead of drilling holes to fix cavities, dentists would rather educate the public on how to avoid developing tooth decay in the first place.  Drinking tap water to receive fluoride is safe, and it's easier on your wallet than going to the dentist for a filling.”

 

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS:

“Fluoridation of public water supplies is a safe, economical, and effective measure to prevent dental caries.”

 

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS:

“Fluoride plays a very important role in the prevention of dental caries [cavities].  Although the primary mechanism of action of fluoride in preventing dental caries is topical, systemic mechanisms are also important.”

 

“Water fluoridation is a cost-effective means of preventing dental caries, with the lifetime cost per person equaling less than the cost of one dental restoration.  In short, fluoridated water is the cheapest and most effective way to deliver anti-caries benefits to communities.”

 

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS:

“Primary prevention keeps disease from occurring at all by removing its causes.  Examples of primary prevention include … giving immunizations for many communicable diseases, and counseling patients to adopt healthy lifestyles … Examples include chlorination and fluoridation of the water supply …”

 

“Fluoride substantially decreases caries rates. … All children should receive fluoride through systemic water fluoridation or dietary supplements.”

 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCMENT OF SCIENCE (AAAS):

“… fluoridation of community water supplies is repeatedly demonstrating that it is an effective public health measure for the mass partial control of dental cavities, and … [AAAS is] on record as endorsing fluoridation of community water supplies as a method for advancing dental public health, as this 121st meeting of the AAAS.”

 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS:

“Community water fluoridation, which adjusts the fluoride in water to a level sufficient for preventing and controlling tooth decay, reduces tooth decay by 30–50 percent.”  “Although great progress has been made, nearly 28 percent of public water systems do not have the capacity to deliver—and approximately 100 million Americans do not have access to—optimally fluoridated water.  Many communities need support to upgrade or purchase new water systems and fluoridation equipment.”

 

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 Association recommends that federal, state, and local agencies and organizations promote water fluoridation as the foundation for better oral health.”

 

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS:

“[Water fluoridation] is inexpensive and eminently safe. It benefits children and adults for a lifetime if consumption continues.  Costs of dental treatment are reduced.  It is socially equitable because everyone in a community benefits and no individual effort or direct action is required by those who will benefit.”

 

“… Vocal opponents to fluoridation have attempted to link various adverse health effects with fluoridation.  Claims that fluoride is harmful have been amply reviewed by international, national, state, and local authorities. Many committees or commissions of experts in medicine, epidemiology, pathology, pharmacology, and toxicology have reaffirmed the safety of community water fluoridation.”

 

AMERICAN COUNCIL ON SCIENCE AND HEALTH:

“Fluoride is harmless at the levels necessary for maximum (dental) benefits.  Thousands of studies on fluorides and fluoridation have been completed in the last 50 years—more than 3,700 since 1970 alone.  Over 50 peer-reviewed epidemiological studies have dealt with the claim that fluoridation increases cancer risk.  None has substantiated the claim.”

 

AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION:

“Studies conducted throughout the past 65 years have consistently shown that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe and effective in preventing dental decay in both children and adults.  Simply by drinking water, children and adults can benefit from fluoridation's cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school.”

 

AMERICAN DENTAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION:

“ADEA supports and encourages fluoridation of community water supplies and the use of topical fluoride.  Community water fluoridation is safe, practical, and the most cost-effective measure for the prevention of dental caries.”

 

AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION:

“Good scientific evidence supports the use of community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride dental products for preventing tooth decay for both children and adults. Adjusting the level of fluoride in drinking water first used fluoride as a preventative for tooth decay in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Fluoridation of drinking water has been used successfully in the United States for more than 50 years.”

 

AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION:

“The American Dietetic Association reaffirms that fluoride is an important element for all mineralized tissues in the body.  Appropriate fluoride exposure and usage is beneficial to bone and tooth integrity and, as such, has an important, positive impact on health throughout life.”

 

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS:

“The good news is that tooth decay and other oral diseases are preventable.  The combination of dental sealants and fluoride has the potential to nearly eliminate tooth decay in school-age children.”

 

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA):

“The AMA urges state health departments to consider the value of required statewide fluoridation (preferably a comprehensive program of fluoridation of all public water supplies, where these are fluoride deficient), and to initiate such action as deemed appropriate.”

 

AMA has also encouraged physicians to “become involved” in the fluoridation issue by determining “whether municipal water supplies are optimally fluoridated and … working with public health agencies to take corrective action if suboptimal fluoridation is found.”

 

AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION:

“The American Osteopathic Association supports the fluoridation of fluoride-deficient public water supply.”

 

AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION (APHA):

“[The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] announced proposed recommendations to simplify the recommended optimal level for community water systems to 0.7 mg/L fluoride … APHA continues to support community water fluoridation as a sound public health preventive measure.”

 

“Much of the credit for the nation’s better oral health can be attributed to the decision in the 1940s to begin adding fluoride to public drinking water systems.”

 

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION:

“… community water fluoridation at optimal levels is beneficial for preventing tooth decay.”

 

“The goal of community water fluoridation is to achieve the desired oral health benefit while minimizing potential health risks.  That is why water providers undergo thorough and extensive training to safely apply fluoride in the amount recommended by the world’s most respected public health authorities.”

 

ASSOCIATION OF STATE & TERRITORIAL DENTAL DIRECTORS:

“Community water fluoridation remains the cornerstone of dental caries prevention in the United States and has been demonstrated to be safe, cost-effective and beneficial through every stage of life and for all people, regardless of age, race, ethnicity or socio-economic status.”

 

AUDREY F. MANLEY, M.D., M.P.H., SURGEON GENERAL UNDER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON:

“Water fluoridation continues to be the cornerstone of community oral disease prevention.  The benefits of fluoridation are available, on average, for little more than $0.50 per person per year, and even less, in large communities.”

 

AUTISM SOCIETY OF MAINE:

“The Autism Society of Maine has seen no direct research connection between fluoride and autism.”

 

CANADIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION:

“Fluoride is added to public drinking water to protect all members of the community from tooth decay.  Community water fluoridation is a safe and effective way of preventing tooth decay at a low cost.”

 

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC):

The CDC named the “fluoridation of drinking water” as “one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.”

 

CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH PROJECT:

“Water fluoridation is particularly beneficial during childhood and in adolescence when cavity experience first begins.  Not only do children who drink fluoridated water have fewer cavities but their cavities are smaller and less deep when they do occur.”

 

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH:

“In general, fluoride consumption is safe.  Health risks associated with fluoridation are usually limited to misuse and over concentration.”

 

COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS:

“… states need to reduce expenditures in Medicaid budgets and studies have proven that communities benefiting from fluoridated water use fewer Medicaid dollars to treat dental decay. … simply by drinking water, everyone, especially those without access to regular dental care, can benefit from fluoridation’s cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school.”

 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, U.S.A. (DoD):

From a memorandum issued by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs:

 

“Dental decay continues to be a major problem for military personnel and is a significant reason for personnel to be classified as non-deployable. … By far, the most effective preventive program for preventing dental decay is water fluoridation.  I request that your office ensure that all DoD facilities operating a water treatment facility that services over 3,300 personnel provide optimally fluoridated water …”

 

EARLY HEAD START NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER:

“Fluoride is the most effective agent to prevent tooth decay.  It can be added to community water supplies, as needed, and occurs naturally in some areas.”

 

“… Early Head Start staff and parents should be aware that purchased bottled water usually does not contain enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay.”

 

INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES):

“An effective community water fluoridation program should be the cornerstone of all public oral health programs.”

 

“Recent studies have found a smaller difference in the caries prevalence between optimally fluoridated and fluoride-deficient communities.  In American Indian/Alaska Native populations the expected reductions in disease may be even greater, given the high caries rates.”

 

INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE (IOM):

A panel of the IOM examined the issue of oral health access and issued a 2011 report that included this finding:

“Evidence continues to reaffirm that community water fluoridation is effective, safe, inexpensive, and is associated with significant cost savings.”

 

INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER:

“Fluoridation of drinking-water was introduced in the USA in 1950, and thus the studies in the USA encompass periods of observation of 20 years or more. … The studies have shown no consistent tendency for people living in areas with high concentrations of fluoride in the water to have higher cancer rates than those living in areas with low concentrations or for cancer mortality rates to increase following fluoridation.”

 

“Since a large number of comparisons were made, some would be expected by chance alone to show differences.  However, no consistent difference has been seen, and there have been as many significant negative associations between fluoridated water supplies and cancer incidence or mortality as there have been positive associations.”

 

“… Epidemiological studies have shown no association between the presence of fluorides in drinking-water and the incidence of Down syndrome.”

 

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DENTAL RESEARCH:

“The International Association for Dental Research (IADR), considering that dental caries (tooth decay) ranks among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide … and taking into account that over 50 years of research have clearly demonstrated its efficacy and safety; and noting that numerous national and international health-related organizations endorse fluoridation of water supplies; fully endorses and strongly recommends the practice of water fluoridation for improving the oral health of nations.”

 

NATIONAL CONSUMER LEAGUE:

“Bottled water consumption has doubled over the past decade and as a result, the exposure to fluoride from tap water, which can not only prevent tooth decay, it can repair tooth decay, has been reduced as well.”

 

“Oral health is a critical component of overall health, and we need to spread the word about the importance of brushing with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day, drinking tap water wherever possible, and seeing the dentist twice a year. The benefits will pay off exponentially.”

 

NATIONAL COUNCIL AGAINST HEALTH FRAUD:

“Anti-fluoridationists who point out that fluoride can produce adverse effects deliberately fail to mention that the concentrations that produce adverse effects [are] higher than the concentration produced by properly maintained fluoridation systems.”

“... NCAHF believes that the factions that keep alive the anti-fluoridation movement are a major detriment to the health and well-being of the public.”

 

NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION:

“As a result of water fluoridation half of all children ages 5 to 17 have never had a cavity in their permanent teeth. Despite the overwhelming evidence of the value of water fluoridation 34 percent of the population still does not have access to fluoridated water. Water fluoridation would save over $1.5 billion per year.”

 

NATIONAL PTA (PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION):

“PTA involvement laid the groundwork for cooperative partnerships with medical associations and health organizations in the decades to come. ... [PTA also worked] to educate members about other immunizations and treating water with fluoride to prevent rampant dental problems.”

 

PUBLIC HEALTH LAW RESEARCH (TEMPLE UNIVERSITY):

“Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven effective at preventing tooth decay.”

 

“... In the judgment of a Community Guide expert panel, there is significant evidence to support water fluoridation as an effective public health intervention aimed at reducing tooth decay.”

 

RICHARD H. CARMONA, M.D., SURGEON GENERAL UNDER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH:

“Water fluoridation is a powerful strategy in our efforts to eliminate differences in health among people and is consistent with my emphasis on the importance of prevention.

 

“... Fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health over a lifetime, for both children and adults.”

 

ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL:

“Fluoride, either applied topically to erupted teeth, or ingested orally (called systemic fluoride) during tooth development, helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reduce the harmful effects of plaque.”

 

STAND FOR CHILDREN:

“Proven preventive measures, such as water fluoridation and dental sealants, can markedly reduce dental disease ... Although those people who oppose fluoridation often publicly cite health concerns as the reason for their opposition, a professional poll of anti-fluoridationists found that health concerns were actually number 8 on the list of 10 concerns. The primary reason people are opposed to fluoridation is for philosophical reasons.”

 

WEBMD.COM:

“Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.”

 

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION:

“Fluoride is being widely used on a global scale, with much benefit. Millions of people worldwide use fluoridated toothpaste. They benefit from fluoridated water, salt fluoridation or other forms of fluoride applications ...”