Does Fluoride In Water Prevent Cavities?

“Fluoride in water prevents cavities! Get it from the tap!”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of community water fluoridation and the ADA is helping us celebrate the occasion as the theme of National Children’s Dental Health Month.

In honor of the program, the slogan for the 2020 National Children’s Dental Health Month is “Fluoride in water prevents cavities! Get it from the tap!”

National Children’s Dental Health Month

Brought to the public by the American Dental Association, National Children’s Dental Health Month is held every February as a month-long national health observance that brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.

National Children’s Dental Health observances began with a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio and a one-week event in Akron, Ohio during February 1941.

Since then, the concept has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program.

The American Dental Association held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. The single-day observance became a weeklong event in 1955. And in 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

NCDHM messages reach millions of people in communities across the country and at numerous armed service bases.

Local observances often include poster, coloring and essay contests, health fairs, free dental screenings, museum exhibits, classroom presentations, and dental office tours.

Attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life.

By participating in the annual celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, members of the dental team, parents, teachers and others can help keep children’s smiles beautiful now and for years to come.

When Did Water Fluoridation Start In The U.S.?

In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first city in the world to fluoridate its drinking water.(1)

The ADA remains committed to fluoridation of public water supplies as the single most effective public health measure to help prevent tooth decay.

More than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective and prevents tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults.(1)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.(2)

Visit the ADA.org website to download the NCDHM Program Planning Guide & the 2020 NCDHM poster.

The NCDHM Program Planning Guide provides program coordinators, dental societies, teachers, and parents with resources to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. The guide includes easy-to-do activities, program planning timetable tips, a sample NCDHM proclamation, and much, much more.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on a Dental Patient News and has been republished here with permission. It has since been updated for accuracy & comprehensiveness.

References:

1 – https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2019-archive/october/national-childrens-dental-health-month-to-celebrate-water-fluoridation-in-2020
2 – https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/fluoridation