Fluoride is a staple substance in good dental care. Known as nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride is a naturally occurring element in water and some foods. We have come to rely on fluoride for its abilities to re-mineralize tooth enamel, fight and slow tooth decay, and prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the mouth.
Fluoride in community water systems
The very first community in the United States to add fluoride to its tap water was Grand Rapids, MI, in 1945. Ten years later, cavities in children in that community had dropped by 60%.
Adding fluoride to community water supplies can prevent 25% of cavities in children and adults. Thanks to water fluoridation, communities and individuals alike save money by avoiding cavities and further dental health problems.
In Nebraska
In 2022, 74% of people in Nebraska had access to a fluoridated water system. Nebraska ranks 12th overall in dental health among the 50 states.
There have been very encouraging improvements in dental health with Nebraska third-graders. A survey conducted during the 2015-2016 school year showed that 64% of students in third grade had experienced tooth decay with 32% having untreated decay. When the same survey was conducted in 2021-2022, tooth decay decreased to 58% and untreated decay was down to 24%.
"If we were to look at removing the fluoride from the water from Nebraska communities, we would see a huge spike in tooth decay. Fluoridation plays a huge role in helping Nebraskans from not having dental disease and helps keep costs lower for them,” says Dr. Jessica Meeske, President of the Nebraska Dental Association, in support of maintaining fluoride levels in public water systems.
Tooth decay is largely preventable, so that’s why measures such as water fluoridation are so important.
So, good or bad?
The dental community continues to support community water fluoridation as a proven cavity-fighting tool, as reflected by the American Dental Association's statement. Adding fluoride to water systems makes it more accessible to many more people since it’s delivered straight to their homes. Most toothpastes that earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance contain fluoride, and there are higher concentration fluoride toothpastes that your dentist may recommend or even prescribe. Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride. Your dentist may also offer in-office fluoride treatments. These are often recommended to children, but also to any patient who might have a higher cavity risk.
Having too much fluoride is possible, but fluoride levels in community water systems are carefully monitored to ensure safety. In Nebraska, law requires that public drinking water levels stay 0.8 – 1.5 milligrams per liter. This range has been determined to be a safe and effective concentration.
As with all things, excessive exposure to fluoride can have adverse health effects. The most common is fluorosis of your tooth enamel. Fluorosis may cause a white or brown spots on your enamel during tooth development, though teeth affected are more resistant to acid attacks and cavities.
If you are worried about your fluoride intake, speak with your medical and dental provider. They can recommend ways to increase your fluoride if you aren’t getting enough. Drinking fluoridated tap water and brushing your teeth twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste are vital to maintaining good oral health.
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
