Fluorinated water prevents tooth decay and root caries - progressive erosion of adult root surfaces caused by gingival recession - and helps remineralization of early carious lesions. Due to these preventive benefits, fluorination of public water is considered to be the most effective and cost-effective mothproof. More than 14 million U.S. residents drink fluoride-containing water in more than 10,000 communities, mostly from public water supplies, artificially adding fluoride. A small portion draws moisture from private wells that contain natural fluorinated water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the "best" range of fluoride in water is between 0.7 and 1 parts per million or milligrams per liter. The allowable limit for EPA in public waters is 4 ppm. Fluorinated water that follows these standards has been scientifically established as safe for drinking based on the results of over 140 log studies conducted in 20 different countries in the past decades. Almost all major health and safety-related organizations recognize water fluoridation. Fluorination of community water supplies is the most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health throughout one's life.
