This week, the Center for Medicare Advocacy joined a letter in support of community water fluoridation that was sent to Members of Congress and health officials in the Administration. Led by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the letter was signed by 250 organizations that are concerned by the HHS Secretary’s announced plan to direct the CDC to stop recommending fluoridation of drinking water, and by the Environmental Protection Agency’s intention to follow suit with this directive. The EPA sets and enforces standards for maximum fluoride levels in water systems.
Community water fluoridation, which began in the United States in 1945, was identified by CDC as among the 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century, one that has reduced tooth decay by about 25% in children and adults. The U.S. Community Preventive Services Task Force, on the basis of scientific literature, has repeatedly issued strong recommendations for water fluoridation as a safe and cost-effective population-wide strategy to prevent and control tooth decay.
Water fluoridation equitably reduces the burden of oral disease for Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom lack dental coverage or cannot access affordable dental care. Older adults and people with disabilities often face other challenges in preventing cavities and tooth decay as well, including receding gums, medications that cause dry mouth, dietary risk factors, inflammatory medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), and impaired ability to perform oral hygiene.
- You can read the full coalition letter and AAPD’s press release at: https://www.aapd.org/aapd-affirms-cwf.
April 17, 2025 – W. Kwok