"Safe and available water for drinking and for recreation promotes healthy people, healthy communities, and a healthy economy.  Considered to be one of the greatest health achievements in the past century, the New York State Department of Health supports optimal levels of water fluoridation as a significant and cost-effective public health measure.

"Fluoride is a mineral that is often naturally present in drinking water.  When it is not naturally present, adding it at low levels prevents tooth decay or cavities, the most common chronic childhood disease.  Drinking water with fluoride at the optimal level contributes to maintaining good oral health.  Scientists have found that when fluoride is removed from water, tooth decay increases across the population.

"Good oral health and physical health are inseparable.  Poor oral health can lead to oral conditions that cause inflammation in the mouth and signal a response in the body that can impact chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Loss of teeth due to dental decay can limit consumption of fruits and vegetables that impact chronic health conditions, especially in older adults.

"The benefits of proper dentition, or oral hygiene, which includes flossing and brushing twice a day, in addition to community water fluoridation, go beyond physical health.  Studies show poor access to dental care contributes to poor oral health and can have lifelong psychological effects and can be a barrier to self-confidence and social belonging.

"Because the fluoridated water supply reaches everyone equally, health disparities decrease, as we know not everyone has access to regular dentist checkups.  Water fluoridation provides everyone with the same starting opportunity of having a healthy smile.

"The low levels of added fluoride that we recommend for water systems are optimal for the promotion of dental health and the protection of public health.  When water is fluoridated at those levels, there is no reason for concern about health risk.  Water supply professionals continuously and carefully monitor these levels to ensure public safety.

"The U.S. Public Health Service recommends a fluoride concentration of 0.7 parts per million in drinking water, equivalent to three drops in a 55-gallon drum; this is a safe and effective level carefully chosen and monitored to prevent cavities.  Those New York State water systems that are fluoridated provide this safe level of fluoride.

"Water fluoridation is determined at the local level, and not all communities have fluoridated water.  However, currently, about 13 million New York State residents receive the benefits of water that is fluoridated or contains naturally occurring fluoride at approximately optimal levels.  The Department will continue to support the right of local municipalities to have this public health option for their communities."