WATER FLUORIDATION

Water fluoridation is used to prevent dental decay. It is a safe, effective way of providing benefit to individuals of all ages in the community. Extensive research supports water fluoridation as an effective measure in preventing andreducing tooth decay.

Last updated: 30 September 2011

Why is dental decay a problem?

Dental health is fundamental to one's overall health. A healthy mouth enables a person to eat, speak and socialise without pain or discomfort.

Dental decay is the most common health problem of any type in Australia. Recently, dental conditions have been the highest cause of acute preventable hospital admissions in Australia.

Dental decay and fluoride

Dental decay (also called dental caries) is a cavity in a tooth caused by bacterial acids. These acids are produced when bacteria in the mouth break down sugar-containing foods. The acid removes calcium and phosphates from the tooth structure, resulting in cavitation of the tooth.

Fluoride can limit the amount of acid produced, and can also repair damage before it becomes permanent. A constant supply of a low level of fluoride in the mouth is best for this. In this way, fluoride in the water supply acts like a constant 'repair kit' for teeth.

How long has NSW had water fluoridation?

Fluoride has been added to most water supplies in NSW, commencing with Yass in 1956.

In NSW alone there are more than 50 years of experience proving the effectiveness and safety of water fluoridation.

Most Australians have had water fluoridation for 25-50 years. NSW has one of the highest levels of water fluoridation (approximately 95% of the population has access to fluoridated water).

Who benefits from water fluoridation?

Australia has relied on community water fluoridation as its main model of delivering optimal fluoride. This provides universal dental decay and preventive benefit to all individuals regardless of age, gender or socio-economic status.

Is water fluoridation NSW policy?

It is NSW Health policy (PD 2006_076) to continue water fluoridation in NSW as it remains an effective, efficient, socially equitable and safe population approach to the prevention of cavities in Australia.

What is the evidence for water fluoridation?

An overwhelming weight of scientific evidence supports community water fluoridation as a safe and effective measure in the prevention of dental decay. It has been endorsed by numerous organisations, including the World Health Organisation and the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Water fluoridation has been described by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th Century.

How much fluoride is added to the water supply?

In NSW water is fluoridated at 1ppm (which is one part of fluoride in one million part of water). There is an extensive testing program in place to monitor the quality of community drinking water supplies. The chemical qualities of public water supply systems in NSW, which receive fluoridation, are monitored on a monthly basis. This includes tests for lead, arsenic and cadmium.

What standards are met?

The quality of water supplied to these communities meets the requirements of the National Health and Medical Research Council's Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

For more information

Contact the Centre for Oral Health Strategy on (02) 88 214300
or email cohs@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au.