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Learn more about fluoride and community water fluoridation to check if your drinking water is at a safe level to avoid tooth decay.

main content Fluoride and Water Fluoridation This page provides information about Fluoride and Water Fluoridation . Dental Health Dental Health Parents Dental Care During Pregnancy Open submenu links Close submenu links Information for Pregnant Moms and Infants Information for Prenatal and Dental Providers Open submenu links Close submenu links Ask the Docs Information for Frontline Workers Oral Health Resources Find a Dentist Dental Hygiene Clinics School Based Dental Program Dental Health Regional Offices Dental Health Data and Reporting School Nurses and Administrators Dental Provider Resources Fluoride and Water Fluoridation Preventive Oral Health Care Integration in Texas Get in Touch Get in Touch Email [email protected] Phone 512-776-2008 Mailing Address Oral Health Improvement Program MC 1818 P.O. Box 149347 Austin, TX 78714-9347 United States Physical Address Oral Health Improvement Program 1100 West 49th Street Austin, TX 78756 United States 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 TexasApproximately 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. Related Resources CDC Website on Community Water Fluoridation ADA Fluoridation Information Campaign for Dental Health American Fluoridation Society Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Former Chief Dental Officers' Statement of Support of Community Water Fluoridation (2020) Frequently Asked Questions What is community water fluoridation? Community water fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in drinking water to prevent tooth decay. Is community water fluoridation safe? Community water fluoridation is safe and the most cost-effective way to deliver fluoride to everyone. How do Texans benefit from water fluoridation? Water fluoridation strengthens the tooth enamel. Teeth begin forming before birth and continue to form and grow until the teen years. People drinking water with fluoride during this period have stronger tooth enamel, which is resistant to tooth decay. It also helps adults by coating their teeth while they drink the water. How do I know if my water system is adding fluoride? To find out if your water system adds fluoride, visit the CDC My Water's Fluoride webpage. You should follow up with your water system to verify the information is correct. Is fluoride naturally in the water? Some areas of the state have naturally occurring fluoride in their water. Not all water has the optimal amount of fluoride in the water to help reduce tooth decay. When the fluoride level is low, fluoride is added to the drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. What does community water fluoridation cost? On average, it costs about $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. Last reviewed and updated: January 20, 2026 Book traversal links for Fluoride and Water Fluoridation ‹ Dental Provider Resources Up Preventive Oral Health Care Integration in Texas ›

Fluoride and Water Fluoridation | Texas DSHS