Adding fluoride to community water supply is hotly debated in some areas. According to the American Dental Association, here are five reasons why water fluoridation provides positive benefits.
1. Tooth Decay Prevention
Sadly, tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. Adding fluoride to water is the easiest way to protect children’s teeth. This reduces school hours missed due to dental-related issues and reduces the chance that a child needs to undergo dental surgery.
2. Cost Savings
Studies estimate that most cities save $38 in dental treatment costs for every $1 they spend on fluoridation. That’s a pretty amazing investment!
3. Less Cavities
Fluoride has earned its reputation as nature’s cavity fighter for a good reason: At least 25 percent of tooth decay in patients of all ages is prevented when fluoridated water is used.
4. It’s Natural
We enjoy many fortified foods and beverages already, such as orange juice with calcium and salt with iodine. Fluoride is already present in ocean water and groundwater, so adding it to water just provides additional benefit.
5. It Works
A long list of well-respected medical and health organizations all agree that adding fluoride to community water is both safe and effective. This includes the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Medical Association.
