104 l © 2025 American Dental Association
Section 4: Public Policy
64. Where can valid, evidence-based information about water fluoridation
be found on the Internet?
Answer
There are many reputable sites on the Internet that provide information on fluorides and
fluoridation, including the ADA and CDC as well as other reputable health and science organizations
and government agencies. These sites provide information that is consistent with the best available
scientific evidence.
Fact
One of the most widely respected sources for information regarding fluoridation and fluorides is the
ADA Fluoride and Fluoridation website at www.ADA.org/fluoride. From the ADA website, individuals
can link to other oral health webpages such as:
• CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation
• The Community Guide
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/dental-caries-cavities-community-water-
fluoridation.html
• Fluoride Science
https://fluorideexposed.org/fluoridescience/
• Campaign for Dental Health
https://ilikemyteeth.org/
• AAP
https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/oral-health/fluoridation/
• American Fluoridation Society
https://americanfluoridationsociety.org/
The Internet contains numerous sources of information on fluoridation. However, not all “science” posted
on the Internet is based on scientific fact. Searching the Internet for “fluoride” or “water fluoridation”
directs individuals to numerous websites. Some of the content found on the sites is scientifically sound.
Other, less-scientific sites look highly technical, but contain information based on methods that are
unconfirmed or have not gained widespread acceptance. In many cases, the information is largely opinion.
While everyone is entitled to their opinion, they are not entitled to present that opinion as scientific fact.
Commercial interests, such as the sale of water filters, often are promoted.
Today’s technology can put the world at your fingertips, but search engine technology can influence
what is returned in searches. The first time the search for “fluoridation” is made, it is likely that the
returns will include both pro- and anti-fluoridation websites. When you click to view a website, the
search engine takes note and on subsequent searches for the same term, the search engine will return
items similar to what you chose initially. For example, if you choose a pro-fluoridation website initially,
the next time you search for “fluoridation,” the search engine will likely return a selection of other
pro-fluoridation websites for your review. Of course, the converse is also true. Clicking on fluoridation
opposition websites will guide you to future searches laden with similar opposition sites.
Section 4: Public Policy
64. Where can valid, evidence-based information about water fluoridation
be found on the Internet?
Answer
There are many reputable sites on the Internet that provide information on fluorides and
fluoridation, including the ADA and CDC as well as other reputable health and science organizations
and government agencies. These sites provide information that is consistent with the best available
scientific evidence.
Fact
One of the most widely respected sources for information regarding fluoridation and fluorides is the
ADA Fluoride and Fluoridation website at www.ADA.org/fluoride. From the ADA website, individuals
can link to other oral health webpages such as:
• CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation
• The Community Guide
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/dental-caries-cavities-community-water-
fluoridation.html
• Fluoride Science
https://fluorideexposed.org/fluoridescience/
• Campaign for Dental Health
https://ilikemyteeth.org/
• AAP
https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/oral-health/fluoridation/
• American Fluoridation Society
https://americanfluoridationsociety.org/
The Internet contains numerous sources of information on fluoridation. However, not all “science” posted
on the Internet is based on scientific fact. Searching the Internet for “fluoride” or “water fluoridation”
directs individuals to numerous websites. Some of the content found on the sites is scientifically sound.
Other, less-scientific sites look highly technical, but contain information based on methods that are
unconfirmed or have not gained widespread acceptance. In many cases, the information is largely opinion.
While everyone is entitled to their opinion, they are not entitled to present that opinion as scientific fact.
Commercial interests, such as the sale of water filters, often are promoted.
Today’s technology can put the world at your fingertips, but search engine technology can influence
what is returned in searches. The first time the search for “fluoridation” is made, it is likely that the
returns will include both pro- and anti-fluoridation websites. When you click to view a website, the
search engine takes note and on subsequent searches for the same term, the search engine will return
items similar to what you chose initially. For example, if you choose a pro-fluoridation website initially,
the next time you search for “fluoridation,” the search engine will likely return a selection of other
pro-fluoridation websites for your review. Of course, the converse is also true. Clicking on fluoridation
opposition websites will guide you to future searches laden with similar opposition sites.
