Caries-Preventive Water Fluoridation

Abstract

Although education of the public in improved dietary habits needs more emphasis and a more scientific approach, additional measures are necessary to bring dental caries under control. For prevention of this endemic disease, a method is needed which is effective, safe, economical and readily available to large populations. Fluoridation of domestic water supplies provides such a method. From the standpoints of health benefits, safety and economics, water fluoridation has been proved to be the single most effective method of reducing the prevalence of dental caries and of bringing this costly disease under control throughout the world. Water fluoridation should be the cornerstone of any national or local program to prevent dental caries. In view of the enormous and consistent body of evidence which has been gathered on the cost-benefits of this method, there no longer exist any valid reasons for failing to make water fluoridation available to every person with access to public water supplies.