BCHC supports community water fluoridation
April 2025
Big Cities Health Coalition (BCHC) joins the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and 250 additional health organizations to affirm the safety and effectiveness of community water fluoridation.
The possibility of a federal effort to cease the fluoridation of water supplies – stripping that authority from local and state jurisdictions – has become known. It is our duty – as health professionals, dental experts, advocates, and researchers – to proactively combat this misinformation being spread to the people of the United States.
The U.S. experienced massive reductions in the prevalence of tooth decay in the years that followed its introduction in the 1950s and 1960s. Most people in the U.S. today have never seen nor personally experienced the severity of tooth decay that exists without fluoride. With an abrupt departure from water fluoridation, our nation would undoubtedly experience a rapidly rising incidence of decay. The U.S. does not have capacity in the oral health workforce to support the emergency, surgical, and restorative dental needs that would result. There would be increased pain and suffering, and more missed school and work. None of this is necessary.
What has been lauded as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century has recently become politicized and gravely misrepresented.
Much of the recent discourse is based on incomplete information and interpretation of studies that have limitations undermining their usefulness. It is important to note that in its almost century long use, water fluoridation has been studied widely and its benefits and safety validated.
Community water fluoridation remains the only way to ensure that all people – especially those who are at greatest risk for dental disease and who have the fewest resources to maintain their oral health – can reap its cavity-preventing benefits. We remain committed to fluoride in water as a way to reach those most in need and we support continued research that can inform and update its optimal level over time.
Our organizations remain prepared and ready to support local and state efforts to preserve community water fluoridation for the benefit of all.
