The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) maintains that fluoride, when used appropriately, is safe and effective in preventing and controlling dental decay.

AGD reiterated its support for fluoride following the recent decision by a District Court in Northern California on fluoridated water.[1] The court ruled that fluoridated water at the recommended level of 0.7mg/L poses an “unreasonable risk” of reduced IQ in children. The American Fluoridation Society (AFS) has raised some concerns with the rationale behind the Court’s decision.[2] The Court relied on a National Toxicology Program (NTP) monograph reviewing the literature on the connection between fluoride and neurodevelopment. AFS noted that the NTP Monograph specifically states that the findings do not address “whether the sole exposure to fluoride added to drinking water in some countries (i.e., fluoridation, at 0.7 mg/L in the United States and Canada) is associated with a measurable effect on IQ.”[3]  The studies examined in the NTP Monograph are all from outside the United States and examined total fluoride intake above the recommended amount.

Tooth decay affects more children in the United States than any other chronic infectious disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC states that, if left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain and infections that hinder eating, speaking, playing, and learning. The problem is pervasive, with 92% of adults aged 20 to 64 having had dental caries in their permanent teeth.[4] This number has been found to increase when fluoride is removed from community water supplies.

The controlled addition of a fluoride compound to public water supplies is considered to be the most cost-effective way to prevent cavities and fight tooth decay. The U.S. Health Service has established that the optimal concentration for fluoridation is 0.7 parts per million.[5] This range effectively reduces tooth decay while minimizing the occurrence of dental fluorosis. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acids derived from bacteria in the mouth and certain foods and drinks, that attack enamel.

By drinking optimally fluoridated water, all members of society — regardless of income, education or ethnicity — can benefit from better oral health, not just those who have access to dental care.

According to generally accepted scientific research, fluoride remains safe at the concentrations found in optimally fluoridated water and is a community health measure that benefits children and adults. Regular use throughout life will help protect teeth against decay. All water supplies, including bottled water, should have appropriate fluoride levels. All fluoridated items, including toothpaste, should be used as recommended by a dentist.  The AGD encourages state and local governments to provide effective levels of fluoride in public water systems to reduce the prevalence of dental caries in their population.

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[1] 17-cv-2162-Food-_-Water-Watch-Inc.-et-al.-v.-EPA-et-al-Opinion.pdf (uscourts.gov)