Surgeon General Endorses Water Fluoridation

Surgeon General Endorses Water Fluoridation

Community water fluoridation recently received a stamp of approval from United States Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA, who announced her endorsement in a letter read during the opening ceremony of the National Oral Health Conference, held late last month in Huntsville, Ala. “Water fluoridation is one of the most effective choices communities can make to prevent health problems while actually improving the oral health of their citizens,” she wrote. Benjamin’s message also stressed that this affordable community program benefits not only those with good oral health, but also citizens who do not receive routine dental services or maintain their oral health.

“Fluoridation’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in fewer and less severe cavities,” Benjamin wrote. “In fact, each generation born since the implementation of water fluoridation has enjoyed better dental health than the generation that preceded it.”

Benjamin also cited the backing of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—which touts water fluoridation as one of the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century—as well as a long list of former surgeon generals who have given their endorsement for its use.

American Dental Association (ADA) President Robert A. Faiella, DMD, MMSC, commended the surgeon general’s endorsement, stating, “The ADA’s policies regarding community water fluoridation are based on the best available science showing that fluoridation is a safe, effective way to prevent dental decay. The ADA … continues to work with federal, state, and local agencies to increase the number of communities benefiting from this very effective public health measure.”