FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2011

Pamela J. Tolson, CAE
Executive Director:  

For more information                                     
217-529-6941                                                  

Public Health Officials Reconfirm the Benefits of Community Water Fluoridation While Assuring Optimal Benefits for Children

Public health officials on January 7th reaffirmed the safety and effectiveness of community water fluoridation while updating their recommendation on the optimal level for preventing tooth decay based on the latest science.  The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledged the trend of increased dental fluorosis in children in the United States.  To address this issue, the recommendation is to set the optimal level for fluoride in drinking water at 0.7 parts per million (ppm).  This is well within the previous optimal range of 0.7ppm – 1.2 ppm that had been recommended for more than 50 years.  Recognizing that a range based solely on mean temperature is no longer applicable because water consumption no longer varies by temperature zone, a single optimal level is now recommended.  

The American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) supports this recommendation and applauds the continued evaluation of this cornerstone public health measure.  AAPHD is committed to educating the public about proper use of fluorides for preventing tooth decay, including fluoride toothpaste and the benefits of community water fluoridation.   

AAPHD President Dr. Ana Karina Mascarenhas states, “Fluoride is essential for preventing tooth decay and assuring optimal oral health for all ages.  The new recommendation assures we have the right balance given the multitude of fluoride sources available today to prevent tooth decay while protecting against dental fluorosis.” 

AAPHD promotes oral health as an essential component of overall health, well-being, and self- esteem; and supports public health efforts to continually update research on the appropriate use of fluorides to benefit people of all ages. 

The American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to the vision of optimal oral health for all.  Its members are dentists, dental hygienists, and other professionals committed to improving the oral health of the public.  Founded in 1937, the AAPHD provides a focus for meeting the challenge to improve oral health.  Public health dentistry is one of the nine Dental Specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Public Health Dentists are integral to monitoring the oral health of communities; investigating public health problems; conducting epidemiologic and health services research; establishing and evaluating community based prevention programs; developing policies to enhance and protect the public’s oral health; educating and providing oral health information; mobilizing community partnerships; and assuring the access of all Americans to appropriate prevention and treatment services.