Fluoride

Question: Our family recently moved to a new community. How can I find out if our water is fluoridated?

 

Answer: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century, because it greatly reduces the risk of tooth decay in children and adults. In Wisconsin, approximately 89% of the population who use public water supplies receive the benefits of appropriate levels of fluoride. However, since many people still get their household water from individual wells rather than a public source, only 63% of the total population receives optimally fluoridated water. To find out if the water in your community is properly fluoridated, go to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website (http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p0/p00103.pdf) for a complete list, or simply contact your local government offices. If your town does not provide adequate water fluoridation or you receive your water from a private well system, contact your dentist to ask about fluoridation strategies to keep your kids’ teeth healthy.