Fluoride and Fluoridation

At CDA, we believe community water fluoridation is the single most cost-effective, equitable and safe public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health.

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

Today, nearly 23 million California residents (59.3% of the population) receive fluoridated water, a significant increase from 17% in the 1990s. This progress was hard won through the efforts of CDA leadership and multiple public health stakeholders, dedicated legislative advocacy, and funding from the California Endowment.

There’s still work to be done. California ranks 37th among states for the percentage of the population receiving fluoridated water, and our state’s children have some of the highest rates of decay in the nation. Rising misinformation and national trends in fluoride policy are putting public health more at risk. CDA remains committed to helping California communities have stronger, healthier teeth through preventative care.

Fluoride Fact Sheets

Easy-to-share info sheets to boost awareness of fluoride benefits

Peer-Reviewed Research

Evidence-based scientific articles on fluoride and community water fluoridation

Reports and Manuals

Community water fluoridation guides to support advocacy and education

Fluoridation Resource Sites

Additional trusted sources of sound tools to support patients and providers

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Featured Resources

Water Fluoridation: It’s Beneficial, Safe and Saves Money

When water fluoridation ends, tooth decay and costs for dental care rises. This resource highlights the latest research and important reasons for community water fluoridation, including a review of its safety and support by the most respected voices in health and medicine. Providers can use this evidence-based resource to engage with hesitant patients and promote oral health equity.

A Fluoridation Key Facts Sheet

This resource “Fluoridation Key Facts” will support conversations with patients about the safety and efficacy of community water fluoridation.

All Resources

2025 ADA Fluoridation Facts

A Q&A format guidebook that details effectiveness, safety, fluoridation practice, public policy and cost to help dentists, policymakers and the general public make informed decisions about fluoridation.

California Fluoridation manual

This manual provides guidance for local health jurisdictions in California in the promotion of community water fluoridation for oral health based on generally accepted, peer-reviewed, scientific evidence and experience.

Community Water Fluoridation

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides extensive information about the science, practice, and benefits of community water fluoridation.

Consequences of community water fluoridation cessation for Medicaid-eligible children and adolescents in Juneau, Alaska

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

Cost of Removing Fluoride

Health Policy Institute 2025 research brief of state-level costs of removing fluoride from community water systems.

Cost Savings of Community Water Fluoridation

Studies conducted by the CDC reaffirm that widespread community water fluoridation prevents cavities and saves money.

Fluoride and Dental Caries Prevention in Children

In 2014, the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics published Fluoride and Dental Caries Prevention in Children, an easy to understand, comprehensive resource on the benefits and proper use of fluoride for caries prevention in children.

Fluoride Science

Fluoridescience.org is dedicated to balanced reviews of fluoride studies and communicating the qualities and summaries of the scientific evidence for professional communities that may engage in patient care and/or public health services.

Fluoride Varnish and Community Water Fluoridation

This Q&A format one-pager shares how fluoride varnish and community water fluoridation are strategies to prevent tooth decay. Learn how topical and systemic fluorides work together as public health strategies.

Greater access to topical fluoride applications

CDA sponsored legislation supports expanded dental disease prevention in California's schools and other public programs.