Vermont’s Community Water Fluoridation
Background
- In 1952, the City of Burlington became the first Vermont community to provide fluoridated water to its residents.
- Today, public water systems throughout Vermont have joined Burlington in providing this important community dental public health measure.
- Burlington residents, regardless of socioeconomic status or ability to obtain dental care, receive dental benefits by simply drinking fluoridated water.
- In Vermont, the cost of providing fluoridated water is little over one dollar per person per year. For every dollar spent on fluoridation, as much as $70 is saved in dental bills. A lifetime cost of fluoridation per person is about the same as the cost of one dental restoration.
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Support for Fluoridation
- Based on 60 years of research studies, fluoridation at the optimal level poses no adverse health risks.
- Research and practical experience indicate that fluoridation has played an important role in the reduction of tooth decay (40 percent to 70 percent in children), and tooth loss in adults (40 percent to 70 percent).
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized fluoridation of drinking water as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.
Water Fluoridation
- Since fluoride is a natural mineral found in rock formations and soil, all water sources in Vermont have varying levels of natural fluoride.
- Before water fluoridation can be considered, the natural fluoride content is analyzed. The amount is adjusted based on the natural fluoride level in a geographic area.
- Extensive research by the United States Public Health Service (the agency responsible for public health) has established optimal fluoride levels in the United States. In Vermont, the optimal fluoride level of 1.1 parts fluoride per million gallons of water (ppm) has been established. Lake Champlain’s natural fluoride level is 0.2 ppm. Water from Lake Champlain is adjusted to meet the 1.1 ppm standard.
Resources
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