The topic of adding fluoride to drinking water supplies has been largely controversial for several decades. Many people support the potential health benefits of fluoridated water while others have voiced their doubts. Some have even expressed their opposition to what they consider forced medication by the government.
Due to the longstanding controversy, we’re taking a closer look at everything you need to know about water fluoridation, including answering the two most prominent questions within this topic: 1) What are the benefits of fluoride in your water supply? and 2) Is fluoride bad for you?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that’s released from rocks into the soil, water, and air. It aids in the mineralization process for bones and teeth and plays a role in cavity prevention. Nowadays, fluoride can be ingested or applied topically, and it comes from significant sources such as:
Public drinking water becomes fluoridated when the naturally occurring fluoride levels are adjusted with chemical fluoride to the optimal range, where the U.S. Public Health Service recommends the ideal water fluoridation levels. Today, about 73% of Americans drink fluoride through a public water supply, per the CDC.
But, when did water fluoridation begin?
In January 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the world’s first city to adjust its level of fluoride in water. This community water fluoridation was intended as a project for monitoring its effects. What’d they find? Moderate fluoride intake does wonders for dental health: minimizing dental caries, also known as cavities, and strengthening tooth enamel. This meant that, for the first time in history, tooth decay was now a preventable disease for most people.
In 1962, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommended that public tap water should contain fluoride levels between 0.7 and 1.2 mg/L to support public health and prevent widespread cavities. But, in 2015, the department changed its recommendation level to not exceed 0.7 mg/L because many people receive added fluoride exposure through toothpaste, mouthwash, and other dental products.
It’s important to keep in mind that water fluoridation policies vary widely across the globe, with some countries implementing widespread fluoridation programs and others abstaining entirely. For instance, countries like the U.S. and Australia have long-standing fluoridation initiatives supported by public health authorities. However, many European nations have opted against fluoridating their water supplies due to concerns about safety and individual choice. These global variations highlight the complex interplay of cultural, political, and scientific factors shaping water fluoridation policies worldwide.
Take a closer look at countries and their water fluoridation policies below:
Source: OECD.Stat/Dental Health
Source: OECD.Stat/Dental Health
Despite the evidence that fluoride is beneficial for oral health, community water fluoridation has been controversial since its inception. Why? Concerns have been raised about the potential health effects of ingesting fluoride at varying concentrations — with excessive levels contributing to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis.
Studies from the National Library of Medicine indicate a rising global occurrence of dental fluorosis, affecting 23% of the entire U.S. population as of 2023. Plus, there are ethical considerations regarding mass medication through public water treatment without individual consent. As a result, there’s continued debate about the optimal levels for public water fluoridation and individual choice in the intake of this mineral.
What’s more, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of disposing of fluoride waste from water treatment facilities and industrial processes. Research reveals that fluoride is a trace element in pollution that’s receiving increasing attention because of its potentially harmful effects on animal health. This is due to improper disposal methods, which lead to fluoride pollution of soil, water bodies, and ecosystems — posing risks to wildlife and human health alike. Fortunately, efforts to develop safe and sustainable fluoride disposal strategies are underway.
With all of the controversy surrounding water fluoridation, there are plenty of public misconceptions that impact ongoing debates and policy decisions. Most myths and misinformation are fueled by anti-fluoridation campaigns and conspiracy theories, significantly influencing public opinion. These misconceptions range from concerns about fluoride’s safety to its efficacy in preventing dental issues. Fortunately, evidence-based studies have continuously demonstrated the true safety and usefulness of proper fluoride intake in promoting dental health.
When it comes to dental health, access to fluoridated water is a critical factor — yet, disparities exist. These are shaped by socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and other social determinants. Marginalized communities often face inadequate access to fluoride resources, leading to uneven dental health outcomes. Such discrepancies highlight the urgent need for strategies that address disparities in dental health equity and advocate for fair access to essential oral health resources.
Here are the pros and cons of fluoridated drinking water that have kept the topic so heavily disputed over the years.
If you’ve been looking for ways to promote oral health by increasing your fluoride exposure, you can:
On the flip side, individuals who are concerned about over-exposure to fluoride can reduce this risk by:
Given the widespread controversy about fluoride consumption, especially in public water systems, explore these frequently asked questions to gain deeper insights into the topic.
People across the U.S. have been drinking water with added fluoride and subsequently experiencing improved dental health for over 75 years now. With this in mind, the CDC emphasizes that numerous research studies have consistently demonstrated the safety and advantages of fluoridated water. However, as worries about fluorosis from excessive fluoride exposure grow, it’s vital to assess the levels present in your local water supply. Your area’s health authorities are responsible for overseeing and maintaining fluoride levels in water according to established guidelines — ensuring health benefits without substantial risks.
There’s been ongoing debate over the years about the potential effects of excessive fluoride exposure on neurological development, particularly in younger populations. Some studies suggest that exposure to fluoride at a level of more than 2 mg/L in drinking water may result in impaired cognitive outcomes among children. However, others argue that the evidence is inconclusive.
Ultimately, more research is necessary to fully understand how fluoride exposure impacts neurological health. Keep in mind that adhering to the recommended dosage suggests it’s probably safe.
While fluoride provides important benefits to all individuals, the effectiveness of treatments varies among age groups: Children and adolescents typically benefit the most from community fluoride treatments. This is because fluoride exposure in adults is primarily preventive, helping protect existing enamel. Children’s teeth, on the other hand, are still in the formative stages, so they benefit most from fluoride’s ability to shield against cavities and dental decay. This highlights the crucial role fluoride plays in early dental development.
In addition to preventing cavities, fluoride has been shown to help with other oral health issues such as gum disease (gingivitis) and tooth sensitivity. By strengthening tooth enamel and inhibiting bacterial growth, fluoride contributes to overall oral hygiene and gum health. According to the CDC, fluoride also offers health advantages like promoting strong teeth, reducing the necessity for fillings or tooth extractions, and diminishing the discomfort and distress caused by tooth decay.
The short answer is, no: Extensive research has not established a direct link between ingested fluoride at recommended levels and cancer. This concern originally emerged following a 2006 partial report from the Harvard School of Public Health. It suggested that increased exposure to higher fluoride levels in drinking water correlated with a heightened osteosarcoma risk in boys, but not girls. However, recent studies highlighted by the American Cancer Society contradict this finding, stating no increased osteosarcoma risk in areas with water fluoridation.
The presence of fluoride in bottled water varies; some options contain this mineral, while others use filtration processes that reduce or eliminate it. Bottled water, from natural springs or municipal supplies, may contain naturally occurring fluoride, but it’s not commonly added. However, when added, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates a maximum total fluoride content (added plus naturally occurring) of 0.7 mg/L.
Checking the water’s label or contacting the manufacturer is the best way to determine exactly how much fluoride is present in each alternative.
Because the effects of and support for fluoride in water can vary, your ideal water solution will depend on your unique needs.
If you feel the benefits of fluoride in water outweigh the costs, then Quench’s advanced carbon filtration technology is right for you. It removes sediment, chemicals, odors, and off-tastes from your workplace drinking water without filtering fluoride.
For teams that want to avoid fluoridated water supplies, we’ve got you covered with a reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system. RO filtration removes fluoride from your drinking water along with a variety of contaminants.
Learn more about the cutting-edge filtration and purification technologies used across our range of Quench bottleless water coolers. Once you’re ready to get started, you can get a free estimate or try our product finder to identify the bottleless dispenser that’s the right fit for you!