Facts about fluoride
Community water fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to reach a level that can help to reduce tooth decay.
Along with a combination of a healthy diet, good oral hygiene, use of fluoride toothpaste and regular dental check-ups, water fluoridation is an effective strategy to prevent tooth decay.
Tooth decay is costly to individuals and the health system. It can cause pain, difficulty eating and sleeping and can make people feel unhappy about their appearance. Over 90% of adults in Australia have experienced decay in their lifetime. In Queensland, over half of children aged 5-14 years who attended Queensland Health oral health services have experienced decay.
Teeth are constantly at risk of damage by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Fluoride protects against this acid damage. A large body of research shows that the current levels of water fluoridation in Australia helps to prevent tooth decay for people of all ages.
Five facts about water fluoridation
- Good oral hygiene + healthy eating + water fluoridation = good oral health.
- Adding a small amount of fluoride in the water system doesn’t change the taste or smell of water and is a safe and effective way to protect against tooth decay.
- Every other state and territory has enjoyed the benefits of water fluoridation for over 30 years.
- Drinking fluoridated water is good for people of all ages including, young children, pregnant women and older people.
- Extensive scientific research confirms water fluoridation is not associated with any ill health effects.
How fluoride works
Fluoride was first added to the water supply in Australia in the 1950s. Over 150 major health organisations, including the World Health Organisation, the Australian Medical Association (AMA), and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) support water fluoridation.
Fluoride combats tooth decay in three ways: it helps make teeth more decay resistant, helps get rid of early decay before it becomes permanent and helps stop bacteria in the mouth producing acids, which leads to tooth decay.
Acid build-up from sugars and bacteria, which attack the outer surface of the tooth, causes tooth decay. Teeth need small amounts of fluoride throughout the day for the whole of their life to help prevent tooth decay. Once you stop drinking fluoridated water, your teeth stop being protected from this source. The continual protection of fluoridated water is one reason it is much more effective at reducing tooth decay than fluoride tablets or drops.
If you live in an area without access to fluoridated water, speak with your dental practitioner about additional ways you can protect your teeth against decay.
More information
- Water fluoridation legislation and regulation in Queensland
- Water fluoridation and human health: 2017 public statement
- Water fluoridation: Dental and other human health outcomes