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Recognized by leading public health and dental organizations as one of the most successful and cost-effective public health initiatives in history, community water fluoridation has protected Louisiana families from tooth decay for decades — making preventive dental care more affordable and accessible statewide.
This fact sheet from CareQuest Institute and the Louisiana Dental Association outlines how community water fluoridation protects health and saves money for Louisianians — and what lawmakers can do to protect what works.
Key Findings
- Decades of research and more than 7,000 studies have shown that fluoridating water at levels approved in the US is safe and effective at preventing tooth decay.
- In Louisiana, 30% of adults lack dental insurance, and 12% have lost six or more teeth — problems that will get worse if fluoride is removed.
- The American Dental Association estimates that eliminating fluoridation in Louisiana will cost the state $340 million over 5 years in avoidable dental expenses.
You may also be interested in:
- Community Water Fluoridation: Proven, Safe, and Essential for Oral Health, a fact sheet highlighting the overwhelming benefits of community water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay and reduce health care costs.
- Fluoride: Questions Parents Ask, answers from health care providers to frequently asked questions about fluoride and community water fluoridation.
- Community Water Fluoridation, a collection of statistics and science-based resources on the topic.