More evidence supports fluoridated water to help reduce dental problems

Adding fluoride to local water supplies in order to reduce dental decay has been lauded as an example of a successful public health strategy, and new research continues to show how effective the intervention may be. Medicaid data from more than 430 U.S. counties from over five years revealed that even a small increase in community members' access to fluoridated water was associated with a decrease in the prevalence of cavities in children 9 and younger. The more people had access to fluoridated water, the prevalence of dental surgery using anesthesia in a community also seemed to decrease. The findings only show an association, and the authors suggest that more research is needed to better understand dental interventions at the family level that may also be at play.