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July 21, 2025
New Survey from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Highlights Public Perception of Fluoride in Water as Bans Take Place Across the Country
July 22, 2025 (Boston, MA) — Amid a federal push to end the use of fluoride in the country’s drinking water, a new survey from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health finds that the vast majority of Americans — 81% — either support (52%) or are not opposed (29%) to the practice. Only 6% of respondents supported banning water fluoridation for all communities.
With more than 7,000 scientific studies, the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence shows fluoridating water at levels approved in the US is safe and effective.
Nearly all respondents, 96%, trust their family doctor or pediatrician to educate them about fluoride in drinking water. Major US health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Mayo Clinic, and the American Dental Association, support community water fluoridation.
“This survey confirms that the campaign against water fluoridation is out of step with not only the vast majority of the scientific and medical communities, but with the American people, too,” said Melissa Burroughs, Senior Director of Public Policy at CareQuest Institute. “The government should protect oral health, not cut off access to basic preventive care like fluoride.”
The national survey results show the attitudes surrounding fluoride, including:
- 86% of Americans use some form of fluoride.
- 79% believe the government should do what it can to protect and improve oral health.
- Most people who oppose fluoridation still feel that each community should decide whether it wants to fluoridate.
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that ending water fluoridation in the US could result in more than 25 million additional decayed teeth among children and an estimated $9.8 billion in added health care costs — with the greatest impact on low-income and uninsured families.
The CareQuest Institute poll was conducted online by Marketing for Change Co. between July 7 and July 9, 2025, among a sample of 1,114 US adults. The margin of error due to sampling is +/- 2.94%.
The full report is available here.
Media Contact:
Sara Ward
sward@carequest.org
(314) 276-6727
About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.