Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that is found in rocks, soils, water and plants. Research over many years has shown that water fluoridation significantly reduces tooth decay in both children and adults. Fluoride acts directly at the surface of the tooth, so that people of all ages benefit from low levels added to water.
Tooth decay can cause considerable pain and discomfort and eventually lead to loss of teeth.
Many foods and most water supplies contain naturally-occurring fluoride, however, these levels are often too low to form healthy teeth and prevent tooth decay. Adding fluoride to water, supplements these levels that occur naturally, and is not considered to be a form of medication. Fluoride is added to drinking water to ensure that all of the community receives fluoride, which prevents tooth decay. In addition to the pain and discomfort suffered, tooth decay has a high cost to the community. Adding fluoride to water is the cheapest and most effective way of ensuring that everyone benefits from fluoride.