ADA NSW considers community water fluoridation as a safe, effective and equitable means of preventing dental decay in children, adolescents and adults. The fluoridation of community water supplies is an effective way to deliver fluoride to all members of the community, regardless of age, individual motivation or socioeconomic status.
Download water fluoridation resources
ADA NSW media releases
Water fluoridation facts
- Fluoride is a natural substance found in water, soil and common foods
- Water fluoridation commenced in NSW in 1956
- It is a safe, legal and efficient way of providing benefit to everyone in the community, especially those who are disadvantaged
- Even though fluoride toothpaste is widely available, there is still substantially more tooth decay in non-fluoridated areas compared to fluoridated areas of NSW
More facts and references included in the ADA NSW Position on Water Fluoridation.
Endorsement of water fluoridation
As early as the 1950s, reputable scientific, health and health-related professional organisations throughout the world recognised the importance of water fluoridation due to the oral health and economic benefits that resulted. The following organisations have repeatedly endorsed fluoridation of drinking water as a desirable public health policy based on numerous scientific studies carried out throughout the world.
In Australia this includes:
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Dental Association, Australian Medical Association, Public Health Association of Australia, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, Australian Academy of Science, Australian Centre for Human Health Risk Assessment, Osteoporosis Australia, Arthritis Australia, Kidney Health Australia, Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, National Rural Health Alliance.
Internationally this includes:
World Health Organisation, United States Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US), International Association of Dental Research, FDI World Dental Federation, Royal College of Surgeons (UK), Royal College of Physicians (UK), American Academy of Paediatrics.