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How did water fluoridation affect rates of tooth decay in children?

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Dentistry — dentistry The practice of dentistry involves preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral disease, as well as correcting deformities of the jaws, teeth, and oral cavity.

Water fluoridation has been a highly effective public health measure for reducing the incidence of dental caries (cavities) in children. Research indicates that the practice leads to a significant decline in the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth. Since the implementation of community water fluoridation programs began in the United States in 1945, studies have shown that dental caries in children have decreased by 25 percent to more than 50 percent.123

Fluoride works by promoting the formation of fluorapatite crystals, which help remineralize tooth enamel, and by reducing the growth of bacteria in saliva that contribute to decay. This intervention is particularly beneficial for disadvantaged populations who may have limited access to other dental health products. While overexposure to fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis—a condition characterized by mild mottling or pitting of the teeth—it is generally considered an aesthetic issue rather than a health concern at the levels used in public water systems.241