Fluoride and Water Fluoridation

Community water fluoridation is safe and the most cost-effective way to deliver fluoride to everyone. On average, it costs only $0.64 per person to fluoridate water for a year. For most cities, every $1 invested in water fluoridation yields $38 savings in dental treatment costs (Fluoridation Facts American Dental Association [ADA]). Community water fluoridation is recommended by nearly all public health, medical, and dental organizations.

To know your water system's fluoridation status go to the CDC My Water's Fluoride webpage.

Community water fluoridation is one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures communities can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. –Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General (2014-2017, 2021-Present)

Fluoridation in Texas

Approximately 105 public water systems, serving 9.7 million people, adjust the fluoride level in the drinking water. Some areas of the state have naturally occurring fluoride. A little over 19.6 million people (72% of the population) drink adjusted or naturally occurring fluoride.

In 1946, the City of Marshall became the first city in Texas and one of the first three cities in the United States to implement community water fluoridation. For over 70 years, the addition of fluoride to the drinking water has benefited over 66% of the U.S. population.