This is a controversial question. Tooth decay is a public health problem affecting many adults and children. But the need for community water to be fluoridated is debated.[1] There is evidence from observational research including 44,268 participants that fluoridation reduces levels of tooth decay and caries in children, compared to no fluoridation, by up to 35%. Fluoridation is linked with 15% more children with no decay in baby teeth and 14% more children with no decay in permanent teeth. However, most of this research is from before widespread use of fluoride toothpaste.[2] There is not enough evidence to know what would occur if fluoridation were removed in the present day.
References
- ^Berger MM, Shenkin A, Schweinlin A, Amrein K, Augsburger M, Biesalski HK, Bischoff SC, Casaer MP, Gundogan K, Lepp HL, de Man AME, Muscogiuri G, Pietka M, Pironi L, Rezzi S, Cuerda CESPEN micronutrient guideline.Clin Nutr.(2022-Jun)
- ^Iheozor-Ejiofor Z, Worthington HV, Walsh T, O'Malley L, Clarkson JE, Macey R, Alam R, Tugwell P, Welch V, Glenny AMWater fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.(2015-Jun-18)