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Preventing Dental Caries: Community Water Fluoridation

Community water fluoridation (CWF) is the controlled adjustment of fluoride in a public water supply to optimal concentration External Web Site Icon in order to prevent caries (tooth decay) among members of the community. Fluoride acts to impede demineralization and to enhance the remineralization of dental enamel, both of which prevent dental caries. While fluoride occurs naturally in water across the U.S., it is usually lower than the optimal concentration needed to prevent caries.

Summary of Task Force Recommendations & Findings

The Community Preventive Services Task Force  recommends community water fluoridation based on strong evidence of effectiveness in reducing dental caries across populations. Evidence shows the prevalence of caries is substantially lower in communities with CWF. In addition, there is no evidence that CWF results in severe dental fluorosis.

Task Force Finding and Rationale Statement

The Task Force finding presented on this page was made in April 2013 and updates a previous finding from October 2000. It is based on 28 studies about the effect of CWF on caries; 16 about oral health disparities, and 117 about dental fluorosis. Most of these studies were included in an existing systematic review (McDonough 2000, search period 1966-1999; 26 studies on caries; 13 on oral health disparities; 88 on fluorosis), combined with more recent evidence (search period 1999-2012; 2 on caries; 3 on oral health disparities and 29 on fluorosis). Based on this updated review, the Task Force finding of strong evidence for this intervention remains the same.

The review was conducted on behalf of the Task Force by a team of specialists in systematic review methods, and in research, practice and policy related to oral health. Subscribe to be notified as new materials on this topic become available.

Publications

The findings and results of this systematic review have not been published. Read other Community Guide publications about Oral Health in our library. You can also subscribe to be notified as new materials on this topic become available.

References

McDonough M, Whiting P, Bradley M, Cooper J, Sutton A, Chestnutt I, Misso K, Wilson P, Treasure E, Kleinjen J. A Systematic Review of Public Water Fluoridation. National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. York(UK): University of York; 2000. Available at URL: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Fluoride/Documents/crdreport18.pdf.



Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions on this page are those of the Community Preventive Services Task Force and do not necessarily represent those of CDC.

Sample Citation

The content of publications of the Guide to Community Preventive Services is in the public domain. Citation as to source, however, is appreciated. Sample citation: Guide to Community Preventive Services. Preventing dental caries: community water fluoridation. www.thecommunityguide.org/oral/fluoridation.html. Last updated: MM/DD/YYYY.

Review completed: April 2013