Fluoridated Water: Friend or Foe?

June 13, 2013

Ever since Grand Rapids, Michigan became the world’s first city to adjust the fluoride level of its water supply in January, 1945, fluoridation of community water has become viewed as an important measure in improving oral health.

Reports show that currently over 70 percent of the U.S. population served by public water systems receive the benefit of optimally fluoridated water. Since 1950, the American Dental Association (ADA) has continued to endorse fluoridation of community water supplies as safe and effective for preventing tooth decay.

New Research Upholds Practice of Water Fluoridation

Of interest is a recent study conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Adelaide, Australia. It has produced the strongest evidence yet that fluoride in drinking water provides dental health benefits to adults, even those who had not received fluoridated drinking water as children.

The data compiled from nearly 3800 adults ages 15 and older revealed that adults who spent more than 75 percent of their lifetime living in fluoridated communities had up to 30 percent less tooth decay when compared to adults who had lived less than 25 percent of their lifetime in such communities.

Preventing Tooth Decay For All Ages

Lead researcher Gary Slade commented on these findings. “It was once thought that fluoridated drinking water only benefited children who consumed it from birth. Now we show that fluoridated water reduces tooth decay in adults, even if they start drinking it after childhood. In public health terms, it means that more people benefit from water fluoridation than previously thought.”

It’s never too late to start making your oral health a priority. Take preventative action to help give your smile a healthy home. Adopting a good routine of brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits with leading dentist in Roseville, CA, Dr. Judd are all vital factors in keeping your smile looking and feeling its best. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your smile happy and healthy for a lifetime.

Share your comments with us. Do you think most people drink enough water every day?