US surgeons general

Audrey F. Manley, Surgeon General (1995):

“The health benefits of fluoridation include a reduction in the frequency and severity of dental decay, a decrease in the need for tooth extractions and fillings, a reduction in pain and suffering associated with tooth decay, and the obvious elevation of self-esteem that goes with improved functioning and appearance.”

David Satcher, US Surgeon General (2001):

“The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recognised the fluoridation of drinking water as one of ten great public health achievements of the twentieth century. Water fluoridation has helped improve the quality of life in the United States through reduced pain and suffering related to tooth decay, reduced time lost from school and work, and less money spent to restore, remove, or replace decayed teeth.  Fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health over a lifetime, for both children and adults…. I join previous Surgeons General in acknowledging the continuing public health role for community water fluoridation in enhancing the oral health of all Americans.”

Richard H. Carmona, US Surgeon General (2004):

“A significant advantage of water fluoridation is that all residents of a community can enjoy its protective benefit – at home, work, school, or play – simply by drinking fluoridated water or beverages and foods prepared with it.”

Dr Regina Benjamin. US Surgeon General (2013):

“One of water fluoridation’s biggest advantages is that it benefits all residents of a  community at home, work, school, or play through the simple act of drinking fluoridated water. Where water fluoridation is a community-wide intervention, the benefits are not limited by a person’s income level or their ability to receive routine dental care. It also is a very cost-effective intervention.  A lifetime of cavity prevention can be obtained for less than the cost of one dental filling.  Fluoridation’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay is not limited to children, but extends throughout life, resulting in fewer and less severe cavities.  In fact, each generation born since the implementation of water fluoridation has enjoyed better dental health than the generation that preceded it.

Dr Vivek H Murthy, US Surgeon General (2014):

“Community water fluoridation is one of the most practical, cost-effective, equitable, and safe measures communities can take to prevent tooth decay and improve oral health. Water fluoridation’s biggest advantage is that it is the best method for delivering fluoride to all members of the community regardless of age, education, income level, or access to routine dental care. Fluoride’s effectiveness in preventing tooth decay extends throughout life, resulting in fewer and less severe cavities. In fact, each generation born since the implementation of water fluoridation has enjoyed better dental health than the preceding generation.”