Fluoride and Fluoridation

Community water fluoridation has been cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of the top ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th Century.

Through the efforts of multiple stakeholders, CDA leadership, legislative advocacy, and funding from the California Endowment, nearly 23 million California residents (59.3% of the population) receive fluoridated water, a significant increase from 17% in the 1990s.

Even with our great progress, California ranks 37th among states in the percentage of the population receiving fluoridated water, and California’s children have some of the highest rates of decay in the nation. CDA remains committed to helping California residents have stronger, healthier teeth.

The general aim of this research was to determine whether cessation of community water fluoridation (CWF) increased oral health disparities, as measured by dental caries procedures and restoration costs for children and adolescents

Two published studies conducted by the CDC reaffirm that widespread community water fluoridation prevents cavities and saves money

The April 2015 edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association features an innovative study utilizing system dynamics modeling to measure the disease reduction and costs savings of community water fluoridation in the New York State Medicaid program.