Water fluoridation
Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride in the water supply to between 0.7 ppm and 1.0 ppm. This is the optimal amount that provides protection against tooth decay. The amount added is monitored to make sure that the levels stay within that range.
Water fluoridation is a proven public health measure to reduce dental caries.
Along with brushing twice a day, eating healthy foods and timely check-ups with a dental provider, water fluoridation can have significant benefits to an individual.
Studies show that water fluoridation provides benefits above and beyond those from other fluoride vehicles alone.
In this section
- In the 1930s, dental researchers in the US noticed that people in some areas had much lower decay rates than their neighbours, and that this was associated with the amount of fluoride found naturally in the water. Read more
- The current level of fluoride found in untreated water supplies in New Zealand is not effective enough to be of benefit. Therefore increasing the fluoride found in the water supply to a safe level ensures oral health benefits to population of reticulated water supplies. Read more
- About 60 countries have water fluoridation covering hundreds of millions of people. This page looks at the reasons why some countries don’t fluoridate their water, and how some get added fluoride in other ways. Read more
- Research concludes that water fluoridation is safe and effective. There is no proven evidence that fluoride, at recommended levels in water supplies, causes any negative health affects. Read more
- The Ministry of Health strongly supports water fluoridation as a safe, effective and affordable way to prevent and reduce tooth decay across the whole population. Most tooth decay is preventable, and water fluoridation is a simple way to prevent it. Read more
Page last reviewed: 30 August 2011
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