E-NOTIFICATION                                           May 16, 2025   

Community Water Fluoridation Prevents Tooth Decay Throughout the Lifespan

The Santa Fe Group (SFG) is deeply concerned about the announced intentions of the Administration to stop recommending community water fluoridation and the resulting long term impact on the United States population’s health and well-being, the capacity of the health care sector’s ability to address the resulting disease and disability, and related fiscal and social societal costs.

SFG fully supports the letter the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the “250 of the foremost health professional organizations and research bodies affirming the safety and efficacy of community water fluoridation” have sent to Congress and health officials in the Administration. As stated by AAPD and the consortium, “community water fluoridation remains the only way to ensure that all people – especially those who are at greatest risk for dental disease and who have the fewest resources to maintain their health – can reap its cavity-preventing benefits.” Extensive research consistently shows that optimal community water fluoridation poses no risk of serious health issues. Poor oral health can lead to painful, disabling, and costly health conditions that affect the ability to eat, sleep, focus, attend school or work, and obtain employment.

Community water fluoridation has been identified as the most practical and cost-effective method of delivering fluoride to all members of a community regardless of age, education or income. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in almost all sources of water, including the ocean. Since 1945, communities have adjusted fluoride in public water supplies to the optimal amount to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce tooth decay. As more and more communities have adjusted the fluoride levels to prevent dental disease, the U.S. has seen a major decline in cavities in children and adults. Studies consistently show that community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 25% in children and adults.

Recent Congressional hearings have also brought attention to this issue. During questioning this week, Representative Mike Simpson, a former dentist, expressed concern over reported plans to assemble a task force and, by October 2025, change the CDC’s guidance to recommend discontinuing fluoridation of water and other products. “I've seen the benefits [of water fluoridation] having been a practicing dentist for 22 years,” Rep. Simpson stated. “You don't prevent cavities by fluoride killing the bacteria in the mouth. What it does is make the enamel more resistant to decay. So, I want to see the studies on this and where we're headed with this,” Simpson said, warning that if Kennedy succeeds in his aims of banning fluoride, the country will need “a whole lot more dentists.”

The Santa Fe Group is a 501(c)(3), action-oriented think tank with a passion to improve lives through oral health.