UPDATE: Fluoridation of Drinking Water

Background
There still are numerous rural and metropolitan areas in Florida that do not have fluoridated drinking water. Each time this issue is discussed in a public forum such as a city and/or county commission meeting, proponents on both sides of the fluoridation issue often hotly debate the pros and cons of fluoridating a city’s public water system.

If your city or town is discussing the fluoridation of drinking water, you are encouraged to attend appropriate meetings to address the issue.

Summary
Members of the Florida Dental Association encourage preventive dentistry, such as brushing at least twice day, flossing at least once, visiting a dentist twice a year and fluoridating drinking water. Fluoridated drinking water is an effective method to prevent dental decay and it reaches individuals of all ages in all socio-economic groups, especially children whose families are poor.

More than 60 years of exhaustive study and community experiences have demonstrated that community-water fluoridation is the safest, most effective method to prevent tooth decay. The Florida Dental Association unequivocally supports the optimal fluoridation of drinking water as a safe, effective, economical way to prevent dental decay.

Note: Infants, Formula and Fluoridation
Even before their teeth emerge, infants benefit from consuming fluoride. But it’s important to remember that children, and especially babies, are not “little adults.” Because of their smaller size and weight, infants’ bodies often require less than older children and adults.

Due to the release of the National Research Council’s report on naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water, some attention has been given to whether powdered or liquid concentrate infant formula reconstituted with fluoridated water provides infants with the appropriate level of fluoride.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites community water fluoridation as one of ten great public health achievements of the 20 th century. The American Dental Association (ADA) continues to recommend optimally fluoridated community water as the single most effective public health measure to prevent dental decay. Infants, even before their teeth emerge, receive a caries (tooth decay) prevention benefit from the proper amount of fluoride.

The possibility that some infants may receive more than the optimal amount of fluoride through reconstituted baby formula was noted in the March 2006 National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council report, “Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards.” While the appropriate amount of fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, too much fluoride creates a risk for enamel fluorosis, which is an esthetic concern.

As the leader of a science-based profession, the ADA is continually looking at new information to assess fluoride's impact on the oral health of infants. As part of its ongoing assessment, the ADA is collaborating with other respected health organizations and agencies. Plans are underway to conduct an evidence-based review of the scientific literature, hold a symposium to explore the issues surrounding children and fluoride and consider recommendations on this subject.

The benefits of community water fluoridation are so great and the risk is so low.  Yet, the ADA, in an abundance of caution, recommends the following based on the daily intake levels established by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a part of the National Academies.