Status: Baseline only
Most Recent Data:
72.8
percent
(2016)
Target:
77.1
percent
Desired Direction:
Increase desired
Baseline:
72.8
percent of persons were served by community water systems with optimally fluoridated water in 2016
Increase the proportion of persons served by community systems with optimally fluoridated water systems
Summary
Tooth decay is caused by certain bacteria in the mouth. When a person eats sugar and other refined carbohydrates, these bacteria produce acid that removes minerals from the surface of the tooth. But fluoride can stop or even reverse the tooth decay process — it can help re-mineralize tooth surfaces and prevent cavities from forming. Adding fluoride to water systems is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay.
Workgroup: Oral Health Workgroup
