Community water fluoridation (CWF) means adjusting fluoride levels in public water supplies to help reduce tooth decay across the population.
In the United Kingdom, schemes often aim around 1.0 mg/L, with 1.5 mg/L reflecting World Health Organization guideline limits.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports a target of 0.7 mg/L.
What the evidence shows
Children in fluoridated areas usually have less tooth decay.
Benefits today are smaller than decades ago, likely due to fluoride toothpaste use.
Modern studies show modest reductions, especially in baby teeth.
When fluoridation stops, decay levels often rise.
Major systematic review & meta-analysis
Cochrane Review on Water Fluoridation (2024 update)
Putting fluoride into public water may mean children get a less decay in their baby teeth.
It may also mean more children grow up without any tooth decay.
The improvements seen from water fluoridation today are … Source by Oral Health Foundation Read More
