Early studies suggested that water fluoridation was eliminating tooth decay in children.
Fluoridation does not address the real causes of tooth decay - poor dental hygiene and excessive refined sugar consumption.
Fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to water supplies to help prevent tooth decay.
Fluoridation of public water systems deprives people of freedom-of-choice as to what they ingest.
Fluorosis in children appears as of 2004 to be increasing; however, it is not known whether this is from water fluoridation, the excessive use of fluoride-containing products, or both.
In the early 2000s a number of countries have discontinued fluoridation because of ongoing concerns about possible health effects.
Most countries do n't fluoridate Most European governments oppose fluoridation.
Most government agencies and scientific and professional organizations agree that water fluoridation is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay and cost-effective in that it reduces the need for expensive dental treatment.
No type of fluoridation can replace good dental care and hygiene, which are necessary for preventing gum disease as well as tooth decay.
Since the decision to fluoridate usually is made at the local level, by public officials or a vote of the people, fluoridation has become a political as well as a scientific controversy.
The first fluoridation of a public water system took place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945.
Through the Water Fluoridation program, the company works with towns to educate and support fluoridated water system programs in different states.
Where the water is not fluoridated, schools often provide fluoridation programs, and parents can choose whether their children participate.