Majority of Americans Support Community Water Fluoridation
A national survey of US adults shows 81% either support community water fluoridation (52%) or they are not opposed to it (29%).
After more than 7,000 studies, the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence shows that fluoridating water, at levels approved in the US, is safe and effective at preventing tooth decay. Major US health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Mayo Clinic, and the American Dental Association, also support community water fluoridation.
Additional Findings
- Only 6% of respondents think all communities should ban putting fluoride in water.
- 79% of respondents believe the government should do what it can to protect and improve oral health.
- Nearly all respondents (96%) trust their family doctor or pediatrician as a source to learn about fluoride in drinking water.
The survey of 1,114 US adults was commissioned by CareQuest Institute and conducted online by Marketing for Change Co. between July 7 and July 9, 2025. The margin of error due to sampling is +/- 2.94%.
You may also be interested in:
- New Study Shows Costly Consequences for States Banning Fluoride, a blog post with authors of a study in JAMA Health Forum summarizing their findings — ending water fluoridation could result in 25 million additional decayed teeth and nearly $10 billion in health care costs.
- Community Water Fluoridation, a collection of statistics and science-based resources on the topic.
- Winning on Water Fluoridation: Lessons from Louisiana and Connecticut, a policy expert shares key lessons from states that have defeated fluoride bans.
