Fluoridated Drinking Water
Nearly all naturally occurring water sources contain fluoride. Fluoride is a compound that contains an ionic form of the element fluorine. Fluoride is added in the treatment process by many public water systems. The U.S. government sets optimal fluoridation at 0.7mg/L and a safety standard at 2.0 mg/L. Fluoridation in this range has been beneficial in reducing tooth decay. Water fluoridation prevents tooth decay mainly by providing teeth with frequent contact with low levels of fluoride throughout each day and throughout life. The American Dental Association endorses fluoridation of community water supplies as safe and effective for preventing tooth decay. This support has been the Association's position since 1950. To read more about fluoride in drinking water visit by visiting the American Dental Association's web site click here.
To see the average fluoride levels in the drinking water of South Dakota communities (as compiled by the SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources) click here.
Water Fluoridation Supported by the South Dakota Dental Association
November 22, 2024
The South Dental Association (SDDA) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting water fluoridation as a safe, effective, and essential public health measure for preventing tooth decay and promoting overall oral health. Citing decades of scientific research and endorsements from leading health organizations, the SDDA joins other state and national dental organizations and health experts in underscoring the role of fluoride in ensuring that South Dakota communities have access to one of the simplest, most cost-effective tools for dental health improvement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long recognized water fluoridation as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century, reducing tooth decay by at least 25% in children and adults. Fluoride in community water supplies acts as a natural preventive, strengthening tooth enamel and helping to reverse early signs of decay. Data from the South Dakota Department Agriculture and Natural resources indicates that more than 631,000 South Dakota residents receive water from public systems with fluoridated water.
Research consistently shows that water fluoridation reduces the need for costly dental treatments, reduces health disparities, and decreases time lost from work or school due to oral pain or dental visits. In addition, the U.S. Public Health Service, American Dental Association, World Health Organization, and American Academy of Pediatrics all support community water fluoridation as a valuable tool in disease prevention.
Water fluoridation provides a low-cost, equitable health benefit to individuals and families who might otherwise go without preventive dental care.
The SDDA encourages all residents, policymakers, and community leaders to support water fluoridation as a cornerstone of public health and a means of achieving a healthier future for South Dakota residents.
For more information on the benefits of water fluoridation, please visit:
