Fluoride is a natural element found in rocks and soil and both fresh and ocean waters. In some areas fluoride occurs naturally in the water supply, but in most areas fluoride needs to be added and regulated to ensure a level that is most beneficial. For more information on your water supply, visit My Water's Fluoride . This site provides information on whether or not you receive fluoridated water, and is maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information is available for each zip code and municipal water system.

Community leaders have come to realize that fluoridation benefits their entire community—children, adults, and age groups 65 and up. Community water fluoridation does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of income, education, or race. Simply by drinking fluoridated water, everyone in a community benefits. Even today, with other available sources of fluoride, studies show that water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by about 25 percent over a person's lifetime.

A person's income and ability to get routine dental care are not barriers since all residents of a community can enjoy fluoride's protective benefits just by drinking tap water and consuming foods and beverages prepared with it.

Approximately 170 million people in the United States — about two-thirds of people who use public water systems — benefit from fluoridation.

• Fluoridation is safe.
• Fluoridation of community water supplies benefits everyone.
• Fluoridation is cost-effective because it saves money on dental treatment needs.*

*Text adapted from " Nature's Way to Prevent Tooth Decay " pamphlet (American Dental Association) and the CDC Community Water Fluoridation

Learn More About Water Fluoridation

• South Carolina Community Water Fluoridation Plan - 2013-2018 (pdf)
• South Carolina and Community Water Fluoridation (pdf)
  Brief two-page descriptions of health issues related to Oral Health in South Carolina, and a summary of data from the report.
• "Nature's Way to Prevent Tooth Decay" pamphlet (American Dental Association)
• US CDC Water Fluoridation Resources
  The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a collection of resources on the benefits, safety, engineering support, and other information on community water fluoridation and fluoride products.
• Fluoridation Recommendations
  MMWR. Recommendations for Using Fluoride to Prevent and Control Dental Caries in the United States. August 17, 2001/50/(RR14);1-42
  Approved by the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Pediatric
• Surgeon General's Statement on Community Water Fluoridation
  Recommendations for Using Fluoride to Prevent and Control Dental Caries in the United States
• ADA Fluoridation Facts
  Fluoridation Facts contains answers to frequently asked questions regarding community water fluoridation.
• Fluoridated Water: What Parents Need to Know (pdf)
  This dual language flyer explains to parents the benefits of drinking fluoridated water.+
• Life is Better with Teeth
  Website with information on the positive impact of fluoridation.
• The Role of the School Nurse in Supporting Community Water Fluoridation

  This article informs the school nurse on the benefits of water fluoridation for promoting community health and methods to advocate for those measures—key
  practice components of the leadership and community/public health principles
  of “Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice™.”

Information for Community Water Operators

• CDC Water Fluoridation Training Course
  A free resource designed to build the capability of state fluoridation programs, and to help increase knowledge and refine skills to implement and maintain community water fluoridation.
• South Carolina Rural Water Association
  The South Carolina Rural Water Association was established in 1976.  we are a non-profit trade association that assists public and private water/wastewater systems state-wide to ensure that the residents of South Carolina have access to clean water. We help deliver Quality on Tap!

Another Source of Fluoride: Fluoride Varnish

• Fluoride Varnish for Parents (pdf)
  Why should your child get fluoride varnish on his teeth? This dual language flyer explains the importance of fluoride varnishes to preventing tooth decay.
• Fluoride Varnish Training
  This training is for medical providers and staff. It includes information about preventive oral health strategies and messages. A short assessment is included as well as a training completion certificate. Once the training is complete providers are certified to bill for fluoride varnish applications.