Promoting dental health through water fluoridation.

ó Over sixty years of research and recent systematic reviews have shown that water fluoridation is an effective and efficient public health measure for the prevention of dental decay. ó Water fluoridation is particularly appropriate for populations demonstrating moderate to high risk of dental decay. ó At the fluoride concentrations recommended for the prevention of dental decay, human health is not adversely affected. ó In establishing the optimal level of fluoride to be used in water to prevent dental decay, public authorities should take into account the prevailing ambient air temperature, the availability of other sources of fluoride as well as dietary and cultural practices in the community. ó Water supplies to be fluoridated should be reliable and should be processed with the necessary facilities and expertise available to implement and monitor water fluoridation. ó Public health authorities should on the basis of scientific evidence monitor the effectiveness of water fluoridation, along with other methods of delivering fluoride for dental decay prevention. ó The public health benefits of water fluoridation far outweigh the possible occurrence of very mild enamel fluorosis/enamel opacities.