New Water Fluoridation Recommendation

On April 27, 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced its final public health service recommendation for the optimal fluoride level in drinking water to prevent tooth decay. It has been more than 50 years since HHS has adjusted its federally recommended fluoride levels. HHS is now calling for 0.7 mg per liter of water instead of the once suggested 0.7 to 1.2 mg range.

According to the HHS’s official press release:

The change was recommended because Americans now have access to more sources of fluoride, such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, than they did when water fluoridation was first introduced in the U.S. As a result, there has been an increase in fluorosis, which, in most cases, manifests as barely visible lacy white marking or spots on the tooth enamel. The new recommended level will maintain the protective decay prevention benefits of water fluoridation and reduce the occurrence of dental fluorosis.

The AGD fully supports community water fluoridation programs and HHS’s updated recommendation for its use. In light of the revised guidelines, patients may have concerns about this recommendation as well as general questions about using fluoride to promote oral health and reduce tooth decay. It is important to stress to your patients that the safety and benefits of fluoride are well-documented and have been reviewed comprehensively by several scientific and public health organizations, both in the U.S. and around the world.

For more information on the HHS recommendation, email advocacy@agd.org.

Happy Friday,
Dr. Lynda Tran
KaiDentistry.com