Community Water Fluoridation
Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in public drinking water to a level that helps prevent tooth decay. For decades, communities across the United States have used water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and equitable way to support oral health for people of all ages.
Many communities choose fluoridation because of:
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Cavity prevention
Fluoridated water benefits adults and children alike, including those who may not have regular access to dental care. -
Health equity
Tooth decay disproportionately affects people facing barriers to care. Because drinking water is shared, fluoridation does not depend on individual behavior, income level, or access to dental products. -
Cost‑effectiveness
Preventing cavities reduces the need for more complex and costly dental treatments over time.
More than 70 years of research and experience have shown fluoridation to lower the rate of tooth decay for both children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoridation reduces tooth decay by approximately 25% over a lifetime.
Community water fluoridation is a local option in Tennessee. Visit "My Water's Fluoride" to see if your water system has added fluoride.
On this page
Tennessee dentists on water fluoridation
Additional Resources
Tennessee's water system information
Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in public drinking water to a level that helps prevent tooth decay. For decades, communities across the United States have used water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and equitable way to support oral health for people of all ages.
Many communities choose fluoridation because of:
-
Cavity prevention
Fluoridated water benefits adults and children alike, including those who may not have regular access to dental care. -
Health equity
Tooth decay disproportionately affects people facing barriers to care. Because drinking water is shared, fluoridation does not depend on individual behavior, income level, or access to dental products. -
Cost‑effectiveness
Preventing cavities reduces the need for more complex and costly dental treatments over time.
More than 70 years of research and experience has shown fluoridation to lower the rate of tooth decay for both children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fluoridation reduces tooth decay by approximately 25% over a lifetime.
Community water fluoridation is a local option in Tennessee. Visit "My Water's Fluoride" to see if your water system has added fluoride.
On this page
Tennessee dentists on water fluoridation
Additional Resources
Tennessee's water system information
$0
saved in dental treatment costs per person per year in communities with fluoridated water
0%
of Tennessee's population served by community water systems receive fluoridated water
0K
Tennessee residents served by community water systems do not have access to fluoridated water
Source: CDC Community Water Fluoridation 2022 Water Fluoridation Statistics
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral released from rocks into the soil, water, and air. All water contains some fluoride naturally, but not at a high enough level to prevent tooth decay. Community water fluoridation simply adjusts fluoride to an optimal level known to protect teeth.
Learn more about fluoride here.
Water fluoridation is the simple adjustment of existing fluoride in water to a level that helps prevent dental decay.
Community water systems in the United States will use one of three additives for water fluoridation. Which additive they use is based on the costs of product, product-handling requirements, space availability, and equipment.
You can find more information on these additives here.
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Fluoridated water protects your teeth by keeping a low level of fluoride in your mouth during the day, in addition to the fluoride you get from toothpaste and mouthwash.
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Acid is produced by bacteria in the mouth and can create holes on the surface of the teeth. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, helping protect and rebuild this surface.
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Fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by up to 25% among children and adults.
Community water fluoridation has been studied extensively for many decades. Public health and medical organizations continually review the science to ensure fluoride levels are safe and effective.
Key points about safety:
- Fluoride levels in community water systems are carefully regulated and monitored
- The amount added is comparable to levels that occur naturally in many water sources
- Fluoridation is supported by a broad consensus within the dental and medical communities
Like other public health measures, such as fortifying foods with vitamins, fluoridation is designed to provide benefits at levels shown to be safe.
No. Fluoridated water provides a low, consistent level of fluoride, while products like toothpaste or mouth rinses deliver targeted, short‑term exposure.