In 2015, the US Public Health Service recommended a new “optimal level” of fluoride in water in order to collectively benefit the oral health of Americans nation-wide. The new recommended level is 0.7 mg/L, compared to previous recommendations of a range from 0.7 mg/L to 1.2 mg/L depending on outdoor temperatures in geographic areas.
The Fluoride Facts: Preventing Cavities
Fluoride found in drinking water plays a large part in dental cavities prevalence and severity. Since the initial standard set in the early 1960s, statistics and oral health have significantly improved.- For those between the ages of 12-17 years, prevalence of dental cavities dropped from 90% in the early 1960’s to 60% in the early 2000’s.
- The number of permanent teeth missing, decayed or filled in 12-17 year old’s decreased from 6 teeth in the 1960’s to 2 teeth in the 2000’s.
- People age 35 to 44 had an average of 18 affected teeth in the ‘60s, compared to 10 for those of the same age in the early 2000’s.
- Low concentration of fluoride in water and food made with fluoridated water, leads to increased remineralization of enamel due to increased amounts of fluoride in saliva and plaque.
- Fluoridated water is the most cost-effective way to provide fluoride and dental cavities prevention to the highest number of American citizens.
