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Community Water Fluoridation in Focus: A Comprehensive Look at Fluoridation Levels across America

Author

Listed:
  • Man Hung

    (College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
    Department of Orthopaedics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
    College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
    Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA)

  • Amir Mohajeri

    (College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA)

  • Jody Chiang

    (College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA)

  • Jungweon Park

    (College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
    College of Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA)

  • Beatrice Bautista

    (College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA)

  • Chase Hardy

    (College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
    College of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Sciences, San Antonio, TX 78253, USA)

  • Martin S. Lipsky

    (College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
    Institute on Aging, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA)

Abstract

Objective : This study reports on the number and percentage of community water systems (CWSs) meeting fluoride concentration standards set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The study also explored changes in the population exposed to optimally fluoridated water in these systems between 2006 and 2020. Methods : This study analyzed U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2006 to 2020, tabulating state-specific CWS fluoridation rates, ranking them, and calculating the percent change. Results : In 2020, 72.7% of the US population received CWS water, with 62.9% of those individuals served by a CWS system meeting DHHS fluoridation standards. This compares to 69.2% receiving CWS water in 2006 and 74.6% in 2012. The overall change in those receiving fluoridated water was 1.4%, from 61.5% in 2006 to 62.9% in 2020. State-specific percentages ranged from 8.5% in Hawaii to 100% in Washington DC in 2020 (median: 76.4%). Conclusions : Although endorsed by the American Dental Association, the percentage of individuals receiving fluoridated water did not increase substantially from 2006 to 2020, indicating that there has not been much progress toward meeting the Healthy People 2030 goal that 77.1% of Americans receive water with enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay.

Suggested Citation

  • Man Hung & Amir Mohajeri & Jody Chiang & Jungweon Park & Beatrice Bautista & Chase Hardy & Martin S. Lipsky, 2023. "Community Water Fluoridation in Focus: A Comprehensive Look at Fluoridation Levels across America," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(23), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:23:p:7100-:d:1286229
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Morabia, A., 2016. "Community water fluoridation: Open discussions strengthen public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(2), pages 209-210.
    2. Carstairs, C., 2015. "Debating water fluoridation before Dr. Strangelove," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(8), pages 1559-1569.
    3. Youngha Song & Junhewk Kim, 2021. "Community Water Fluoridation: Caveats to Implement Justice in Public Oral Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-10, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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