Did you know drinking tap water is good for your oral health and can also save you money? Tap water is safe, free, and readily available to all. Your city’s tap water may also contain fluoride, a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Fluoride helps neutralize harmful acids in our mouths to prevent cavities.
Why is Fluoride Important for Good Oral Health?
Fluoride helps strengthen our teeth by coating the enamel and repairing any damaged or weakened areas of the tooth. This results in fewer cavities. Drinking fluoridated water can help children and adults. Click here to learn why children need fluoride. Click here to learn more about fluoride from the American Dental Association.
What is Community Water Fluoridation?
Most water supplies contain a small amount of fluoride. To improve the dental health of our communities, tap water is carefully and optimally fluoridated. Many health advocates and provider 
organizations support community control of water fluoridation levels because it has been proven to be safe and effective in fighting tooth decay.
The U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) has set the recommendation for optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water to 0.7 milligrams/liter (mg/L). This concentration provides the best balance of protection from dental caries (cavities) while limiting the risk of dental fluorosis.
How Does Community Water Fluoridation Prevent Tooth Decay?
For all ages, fluoridated water mixes with saliva to coat teeth, protecting them against “acid attacks” from bacteria that cause dental decay.
When young children drink fluoridated water, fluoride enters the bloodstream and strengthens their developing set of adult teeth. Click here for an infographic on how water fluoridation prevents tooth decay.
What are the Benefits of Water Fluoridation?
Studies continue to show that widespread community water fluoridation prevents cavities and saves money, both for families and the health care system:
- According to the Centers for Disease Control, drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults.
- Communities served by fluoridated water save an average of $32 per person a year by avoiding treatment for cavities (CDC).
Check Your Local Water Provider’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
Check with your local water provider to read their annual water quality report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). These reports provide communities with information about their local drinking water quality.
Last reviewed 08.07.25
