Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in most community water supplies. Scientists discovered in the 1940’s that there was an optimum level of natural fluoride in water levels that significantly reduced dental cavities among residents but low enough to avoid serious side effects. The optimum level of fluoride to reduce the incidence of cavities has been determined to be 1 part per million parts of water.
Recent research indicates that fluoride works primarily after teeth have erupted and have been exposed to fluoride in the mouth and saliva. Not only do children benefit from the fluoride but adults also receive a benefit from the fluoridation of water.
Community water fluoridation has served the American communities extremely well for over 60 years providing the prevention of tooth decay in its citizens. The ongoing research continues to confirm the safety and effectiveness of community water fluoridation.
In our community of South Jordan, Utah and surrounding areas of West Jordan, Draper and Riverton the community water is purchased from a water system that adjusts the fluoride concentration to the optimum level for the prevention of dental cavities.
You can find out if your water is fluoridated by checking with your local water utility. Additional information may be available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Public Health Service and The American Dental Association.