---
title: "What Is Community water fluoridation? Dental Glossary"
description: "Community water fluoridation is adjusting the fluoride in public drinking water to a level that helps prevent tooth decay. The U.S."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/community-water-fluoridation
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Prevention and Hygiene

# Community water fluoridation

Community water fluoridation is adjusting the fluoride in public drinking water to a level that helps prevent tooth decay. The U.S. recommended level is 0.7 milligrams per liter.

Community water fluoridation is the adjustment of the existing, naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water to an optimal level for the prevention of tooth decay. The ADA says it is recommended that community water systems adjust fluoride to 0.7 milligrams per liter.

The ADA reports that fluoride in water makes tooth enamel stronger and that studies show it prevents at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults, even with fluoride toothpaste in wide use. The CDC lists it as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. The ADA also says water at the recommended level is not toxic.

You can check your water system at the CDC's My Water's Fluoride tool. Private wells can differ. Ask your dentist about [fluoride treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-treatment) and see [fluoride toothpaste](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-toothpaste) and [dental fluorosis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-fluorosis).

## Related terms

-   [Fluoride toothpaste](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-toothpaste)
-   [Fluoride treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/fluoride-treatment)
-   [Dental fluorosis](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-fluorosis)
-   [Remineralization](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/remineralization)
-   [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Fluoride in Water](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluoridation)
2.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Fluoride in Water](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluoridation)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)