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CDC COMMUNITY GUIDE: Preventing Dental Caries: Community Water Fluoridation

CDC

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

Community water fluoridation involves adding fluoride (which prevents tooth decay) to community water sources, then adjusting and monitoring the amount of fluoride to ensure that it stays at the desired level.

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends community water fluoridation based on strong evidence of effectiveness in reducing tooth decay.

Impact

The Community Preventive Services Task Force has found that community water fluoridation is effective in decreasing dental caries across populations.

Results / Accomplishments

Results from the Systematic Reviews:
Twenty-eight studies qualified for review.

• Combined evidence showed a median decrease of 15.2 percentage points in caries after community water fluoridation began (12 studies).
• Included studies showed that community water fluoridation reduced the prevalence of dental caries across socioeconomic groups.
• Decay rates measured after water fluoridation only: The number of individuals free of dental caries increased by a median of 25.1 percentage points (1 study).

About this Promising Practice

Primary Contact
The Community Guide
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS E69
Atlanta, GA 30329
404-498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/dental-...
Topics
Health / Oral Health
Source
Community Guide Branch Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Location
USA
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Target Audience
Children

Health Data

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Priority Areas

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Resources

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