© 2025 American Dental Association l 1
Support for Water Fluoridation
Introduction
Fluoridation Facts has been published by the American Dental Association (ADA) since 1952. Revised
periodically, Fluoridation Facts answers frequently asked questions about community water fluoridation.
In this 2025 edition, the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention provides updated information
for individuals and groups interested in the facts about fluoridation. The United States now has more than
80 years of extensive experience with community water fluoridation. Its remarkable longevity and success
are testimony to fluoridation’s significance as a public health measure. In recognition of the impact that
water fluoridation has had on the oral and general health of the public, in 1999, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) named fluoridation of drinking water as one of 10 great public health
achievements of the 20th century.1,2
Many organizations in the United States and around the world recognize the benefits
of community water fluoridation.
Support for Water Fluoridation
Since 1950, the ADA has continuously and unreservedly endorsed the optimal fluoridation of community
water supplies as a safe and effective public health measure for the prevention of tooth decay. The ADA’s
policy is based on the best available scientific evidence on the safety and effectiveness of fluoridation. Since
the ADA first adopted a policy recommending community water fluoridation in 1950, the Association has
continued to reaffirm its position of support for water fluoridation and has strongly urged that its benefits
be extended to communities served by public water systems.3
Over the years, additional support has come from numerous US Surgeons General, who are the leading
spokespeople on matters of public health in the federal government. In 2016, Surgeon General
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, in his “Statement on Community Water Fluoridation,”4 noted:
Water fluoridation is the best method for delivering fluoride to all members of the community,
regardless of age, education, income level, or access to routine dental care. Fluoride’s effectiveness
in preventing tooth decay extends throughout one’s life, resulting in fewer—and less severe—
cavities. In fact, each generation born over the past 70 years has enjoyed better dental health
than the one before it. That’s the very essence of the American promise.4
In addition to the ADA, the American Medical Association (AMA),5 the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP),6 the World Health Organization (WHO),7 and many other organizations in the United States and
around the world support community water fluoridation.
Support for Water Fluoridation
Introduction
Fluoridation Facts has been published by the American Dental Association (ADA) since 1952. Revised
periodically, Fluoridation Facts answers frequently asked questions about community water fluoridation.
In this 2025 edition, the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention provides updated information
for individuals and groups interested in the facts about fluoridation. The United States now has more than
80 years of extensive experience with community water fluoridation. Its remarkable longevity and success
are testimony to fluoridation’s significance as a public health measure. In recognition of the impact that
water fluoridation has had on the oral and general health of the public, in 1999, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) named fluoridation of drinking water as one of 10 great public health
achievements of the 20th century.1,2
Many organizations in the United States and around the world recognize the benefits
of community water fluoridation.
Support for Water Fluoridation
Since 1950, the ADA has continuously and unreservedly endorsed the optimal fluoridation of community
water supplies as a safe and effective public health measure for the prevention of tooth decay. The ADA’s
policy is based on the best available scientific evidence on the safety and effectiveness of fluoridation. Since
the ADA first adopted a policy recommending community water fluoridation in 1950, the Association has
continued to reaffirm its position of support for water fluoridation and has strongly urged that its benefits
be extended to communities served by public water systems.3
Over the years, additional support has come from numerous US Surgeons General, who are the leading
spokespeople on matters of public health in the federal government. In 2016, Surgeon General
Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, in his “Statement on Community Water Fluoridation,”4 noted:
Water fluoridation is the best method for delivering fluoride to all members of the community,
regardless of age, education, income level, or access to routine dental care. Fluoride’s effectiveness
in preventing tooth decay extends throughout one’s life, resulting in fewer—and less severe—
cavities. In fact, each generation born over the past 70 years has enjoyed better dental health
than the one before it. That’s the very essence of the American promise.4
In addition to the ADA, the American Medical Association (AMA),5 the American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP),6 the World Health Organization (WHO),7 and many other organizations in the United States and
around the world support community water fluoridation.
