Community Water Fluoridation
Fluoride is safe and plays a critical role in preventing tooth decay and promoting good oral health.
The Issue
What if one simple step could improve the oral health of an entire population, while saving money at the same time? That’s exactly what community water fluoridation (CWF) has been doing for 80 years. Â
More than 7,000 studies show that community water fluoridation (CWF), the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to an optimal level to prevent tooth decay, is a safe and effective way to improve health and reduce health care costs. It is a critical benefit for millions who can’t afford preventive dental care or live far from a dental provider. Â
And it’s popular: A national survey shows 81% of adults in the US either support CWF (52%) or they are not opposed to it (29%). And major US health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Mayo Clinic, and the American Dental Association, also support CWF. Â
Despite the support of CWF and the research showing its benefits, some states, including Utah and Florida, have recently passed legislation to restrict or remove fluoride from drinking water.
Why It Matters
The process of adding fluoride to public water systems in the US began in 1945 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Soon after, rates of cavities declined dramatically. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) named fluoridation of drinking water one of 10 great public health interventions of the 20th century.
CWF also saves money for both families and the health care system by decreasing the need for expensive dental treatment. Evidence from places like Anchorage, Alaska; Calgary, Canada; and Israel, prove that removing fluoride from drinking water leads to higher dental treatment costs. Removing fluoride from water can also lead to increased oral health disparities, higher treatment costs, and reduced access to preventive care, especially in underserved populations.
Community Water Fluoridation Policy in the State Legislatures in 2026
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence that community water fluoridation (CWF) is a safe and effective way to prevent cavities, many states introduced legislation in 2025 to restrict or ban CWF, laying the groundwork for continued action in 2026. In 2025, Florida and Utah enacted statewide bans, and similar proposals are under consideration in states across the country in 2026.
This map shows the policy landscape as of January 22, 2026.
For questions, please contact Matt Steele, Director, State and Local Advocacy.
The Path Forward
Dental professionals play a crucial role in supporting person-centered care and advocating for community health by engaging in clear, evidence-based conversations about fluoridation. While the data supporting CWF is strong, patients will ask questions about misconceptions they’ve heard, and it’s important for dental professionals to help explain that fluoridation is safe and effective. Â
Efforts outside of dental clinics are critical, too. Â
Recent events in Louisiana and Connecticut provide timely and informative case studies. These wins for public health show that coordinated stakeholder efforts, evidence-based data, and local engagement can protect access to fluoride, even in challenging political climates. Â
Stats
25M
Ending water fluoridation could result in more than 25 million additional decayed teeth among children in the next five years, with the greatest impact on low-income and uninsured families.
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$9.8B
Removing fluoride from drinking water would lead to an estimated $9.8 billion in added health care costs.
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25%
Drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults.Â
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6%
Only 6% of respondents of a national survey think all communities should ban putting fluoride in water.