Rugg-Gunn A, Lowry R, Cockcroft B and Walmsley AD (2026) Water fluoridation
today: – benefits and challenges.
The aim of this review is to describe the role of water fluoridation in preventing
dental caries worldwide. Community water fluoridation began in 1945 and over
the past 20 years has reached over 400 million people. In several countries, such
as USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, Malaysia,
Oman, Chile, Gabon and Brazil, a high proportion of the population receives
fluoridated water. The clinical effectiveness is well established. Both water
fluoridation and fluoride-containing toothpaste are effective and each adds to
the effect of the other. Coverage of water fluoridation is equitable so that those
at greatest risk of dental caries benefit most. Water fluoridation is cost-effective
and has low environmental impact. Below the usual permitted concentration of
1.5 mgF/L, there is no risk to health. Prevalence of dental fluorosis is higher in
fluoridated communities but severity is mild to very mild and of little aesthetic
concern. In this regard, advice should focus on early use of fluoride-containing
toothpaste to reduce fluoride ingestion during infancy and early childhood. The
cost of water fluoridation is low. With increasing global urbanisation and
improved equipment, the future of water fluoridation is promising. The WHO
urges member states to consider implementing community water fluoridation.
Citation: Rugg-Gunn A, Lowry R, Cockcroft B and Walmsley AD (2026) Water fluoridation
today: – benefits and challenges.
Front. Oral Health 7:1745916. doi: 10.3389/froh.2026.1745916
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/froh.2026.1745916