Fluoride – Protecting a Proven Public Health Tool
The Maryland Dental Action Coalition (MDAC) recognizes an increase in local and national attention on the topic of water fluoridation. Along with this, there has been a rise in the amount of misleading information on the subject.
MDAC supports water fluoridation as the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. Since its introduction nearly 80 years ago, adjusting naturally occurring fluoride levels to the recommended standard set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. In Maryland, 93.3% of the population served by public water systems receives fluoridated water. MDAC is proud that this is significantly higher than the national average of 72.3%.
MDAC is committed to ensuring our network of stakeholders has the resources and factual information needed to answer questions about fluoride. We have compiled a list of resources from national health and oral health organizations for our network to use.
Citation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022 Water Fluoridation Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/php/statistics/2022-water-fluoridation-statistics.html
National Organization Resources
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Community Water Fluoridation at Optimal Levels is Safe and Effective
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FAQs on fluoride and information on discussing fluorination with families.
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AAP stands by recommendations for low fluoride levels to prevent caries
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AADOCR Continues to Support Community Water Fluoridation
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ADHA Maintains Policy and Recommendation of Low Fluoride Levels for Caries Prevention
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The Campaign for Dental Health was created to ensure that people of all ages have access to the most effective, affordable and equitable way to protect teeth from decay — community water fluoridation. They provide many communication tools and other resources.
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Community Water Fluoridation Frequently Asked Questions
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Fluoride Fast Facts
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Oral Health Fact Sheet: Federal Regulation of Fluoride in Drinking Water
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Two cities stopped adding fluoride to water. Science reveals what happened
Communication Tools
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In a little over 1 minute, Dr Hadland shares why we fluoridate public water systems, what fluoride is, how it works, and – importantly – why fluoride at levels used in the US are safe and effective.
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Fluoride Varnish and Community Water Fluoridation
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The Campaign for Dental Health was created to ensure that people of all ages have access to the most effective, affordable and equitable way to protect teeth from decay — community water fluoridation. They provide many communication tools and other resources.
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Campaign for Dental Health's YouTube channel with videos on community water fluridation.
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Community Water Fluoridation Toolkit
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Let’s Talk About Water Fluoridation
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15 Common Questions About Fluoride in Drinking Water
Fluoride Monitoring
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Find local water system information.
Research
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Projected Outcomes of Removing Fluoride From US Public Water Systems
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Examines the role of CWF in public health infrastructure and its impact on health equity.
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Summarizes systematic reviews demonstrating the effectiveness of water fluoridation in reducing dental caries.
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Confidence in Community Water Fluoridation
